Photo: Artwork titled: OldRV. The County of Stettler Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) approved a development permit for a 25 year old RV to be used as a residence. The resolution was passed at the Aug. 20 board meeting.

The County of Stettler Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) approved a development permit for a 25 year old RV to be used as a residence. The resolution was passed at the Aug. 20 board meeting.

The MPC is comprised of members of county council and chaired by Coun. James Nibourg.

Development Officer Rich Fitzgerald presented a development permit application from Norman and Judith Astley to place a 25 year old RV on Lot 16 Block 2 Plan 0620307 in Buffalo View Estates, located at Buffalo Lake.

Fitzgerald noted the applicants intend to use the RV as a residence. He further noted the applicants previous development permit for this same site and RV was to expire on Aug. 31, 2025.

Fitzgerald also noted the age of the RV gave county staff pause and they decided to bring it to the board. “Usually we approve these development permit applications,” said the development officer, referring to staff. “They’re discretionary use but we can approve them at staff level.

“The reason that we felt we should bring this one forward is due to the age of the RV.” Fitzgerald’s report noted the RV in question is a 1999 model Monaco Windsor and it was noted several times during the presentation the county has a policy in place limiting RV age to under 15 years.

The development officer noted the site in question is clean and well kept and the RV itself is also in good condition.

As the board discussed the application it was mentioned that the applicants are in their 70’s and board members wondered if they intended to build a permanent residence on the lot. Staff responded only the property owners could answer that question.

During discussion it was noted there have been no specific complaints about the applicants or their RV.

The staff recommendation was to grant a two-year development permit for this RV as a residence.

Coun. Justin Stevens stated he was hesitant to approve an RV that was over 15 years of age. “I really don’t like kicking this can down the road forever,” said Stevens. Coun. Stevens added that the county made a decision on the oldest an RV could be in that community, 15 years, but continually allows older ones.

Stevens suggested approving the application but adding a caveat that this is the last time a development permit of this kind would be granted for that RV.

Reeve Larry Clarke noted the RV in question looks a lot better than some much younger ones.

Coun. Les Stulberg agreed with Stevens, saying that the neighbourhood in question isn’t a campground.

Coun. Nibourg asked Stevens if Stevens would be okay with an RV on that site if it was newer to which Stevens answered yes.

Staff interjected and noted that it was not permissible for a development permit approval to have a condition about how a future approval may be handled.

So board members approved the staff recommendation to allow the applicants to pace the 25 year old RV on the lot in question by a 5 to 2 vote, Stulberg and Coun. Dave Grover dissenting.