Council delays and ultimately denies permits for Atlanta Street trailer park after appeal and site visit

An extended, multi-session review of a proposed renovation at the Atlanta Street mobile-home park (formerly Zotti/Zotti Investments/Knight Enterprises) produced repeated Council requests for additional documentation and, ultimately, a denial of permit relief for the site.

Owner representatives (Mac English and Joe Knight) appealed a determination by Building & Zoning Administrator Mike Aiken that existing units were illegal/nonconforming and could not be upgraded in place under the City code. Council heard initial appeals in August, conducted a site visit on Aug. 27, and asked staff and the applicants to provide additional information. The matter was tabled for further review and scheduled for the Budget Workshop and subsequent Council meetings.

Over the fall the Council continued to seek paperwork and zoning analysis. Minutes show Council members and staff repeatedly asked whether the property had been properly rezoned, whether mobile units had been unoccupied for five years (triggering nonconforming-use limitations), and whether permit waivers could lawfully be granted. On Nov. 3, 2025, Council considered the request and—after debate—denied the request to issue permits to repair, renovate and upgrade seven mobile homes; voting recorded three against issuing permits and two in favor. City staff noted the current C-3 zoning and code language require removal of nonconforming units unless rezoning or code changes occur.

The applicant indicated plans to continue appeals through the formal zoning/administrative channels. Council asked staff to provide clear guidance on permitted paths forward (rezoning applications, variance processes or conditional approvals) so the applicant and neighbors understand the lawful options.