The Rockport City Council approved the first of two readings of Ordinance 1942 on Aug. 13, 2024, granting a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow a park‑model recreational vehicle (RIVA standard, 399 square feet) to remain on the property at 2562 FM 3036 and be used as an office.

Property owner Brittina Schreiber told the council the unit is tied to a slab, has a metal roof, a front porch and a mini‑split HVAC, and has been used as an office while her husband manages increasing business activity. She said the unit cost about $70,000 plus a $12,000 slab and is securely anchored.

Staff and planning & zoning: City staff advised the unit is manufactured and registered as a park‑model RV and that city code does not allow RVs in that location. Staff recommended denial. The Planning and Zoning Commission heard the request last week and recommended approval, citing the unit’s high quality, the property’s circumstances (commercial zoning, isolated location) and the applicant’s condition that the structure be used only as an office.

Council action and condition: Council debated precedent concerns and code clarity but voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on its first reading; the approved motion limited the permitted use to office only and included the council’s understanding that the CUP applies for the current owner and would not automatically transfer on sale. Council members directed staff to consider whether broader code changes are warranted if multiple similar requests are expected.

Why it matters: The decision permits a nonstandard residential‑style structure to remain on commercially zoned property as an office, subject to conditions, and highlights tension between manufactured tiny‑home products (park model RVs) and existing zoning code definitions.

Ending: The ordinance passed first reading with the office‑only condition; the CUP will return for a second reading and final action. Staff said the code and permitting approach may be reviewed if additional similar requests arise.