In a recent Citrus County government meeting, officials addressed ongoing code violations related to a property housing a recreational vehicle (RV) that has not been approved as a mobile home. The property, which has been under scrutiny since April 2024, was found to remain in violation of the land development code despite multiple inspections and a notice of violation issued on May 3, 2024.
Code compliance officer JC Charlton reported that a follow-up inspection on August 20, 2024, confirmed the property continued to violate regulations. The discussions highlighted the complexities of converting an RV into a mobile home, particularly concerning engineering requirements to meet Florida building codes, including wind load assessments. Joanna Catu, the land development director, noted that while it is theoretically possible to permit the RV as a mobile home, the process could be extensive and would require professional engineering input.
The property owner indicated that they had not yet pursued the necessary permits but had sought to have the RV classified as a mobile home through the property appraiser's office. Despite this, officials emphasized that without proper permitting and engineering certification, the RV could not be recognized as a principal structure under county regulations.
During the meeting, the owner was given 120 days to either rectify the violations by obtaining the necessary permits or remove the RV from the property. Failure to comply could result in fines of $100 per day, alongside administrative costs. The county's representatives expressed a willingness to work with the property owner to find a resolution, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety regulations, especially with the impending storm season.
The meeting also briefly addressed another case involving unlicensed and inoperable vehicles, indicating a broader commitment to enforcing code compliance across the county.