Residents demand action on shed and tent living crisis

During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the implications of a resolution allowing owner-built homes, which some residents believe is being exploited for unauthorized long-term camping. A resident expressed frustration that individuals are living in sheds and motor homes without contributing to local taxes, thereby placing an unfair financial burden on those who do pay taxes.

The resident highlighted specific cases, including a family of six residing in a 360-square-foot shed, and emphasized that these individuals are utilizing county resources without contributing financially. This situation has prompted questions about the effectiveness of the current regulations and whether any measures are being considered to address the issue.

Commissioners acknowledged the problem, noting that it is not isolated to the area of Compass Lake but is prevalent in various parts of the county. They confirmed that the planning commission has been granting variances based solely on residential development ordinances (RDO), which has led to the current situation where tax revenue is not being collected from these alternative living arrangements.

In response to the growing concern, it was mentioned that the county now has two code enforcement officers to address these issues, although residents reported that enforcement actions have been minimal. The discussion underscored the need for a review of the existing policies to ensure that all residents contribute fairly to the community's resources.