Variance granted for mobile home

A Grovetown couple can move into the home they purchased in September after the Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance to the city's ordinance restricting the age of mobile homes moved into the city.

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Randy Gilbert, owner and operator of Creekside Estates mobile home park, made the request on behalf of Gustavo and Erica Mendoza, at Thursday's meeting.

The couple told city officials in September that they spoke to Gilbert before purchasing the 14-year-old home. Gilbert said he asked for photos of the home, but never informed the couple of the ordinance restricting the age of mobile home moved into the city to 10 years or newer.

The transportation company that moved the home in did not get a permit, and the Mendozas did not find out the home violated the ordinance until an electrical contractor tried to obtain a permit.

The couple, who had a young son and were expecting a second child, were banned from living in the home because of its age, even though they had already purchased it and moved it into Creekside Estates.

Zoning Board of Appeals members approved a one-time variance for the home.

Gilbert claimed at the time he was unaware the ordinance and its restrictions had been approved.

The board also fined Gilbert $500 for violation of the ordinance, claiming that he should have known about an ordinance that affects his mobile home park.

The board also agreed that future violators of the ordinance will be fined $1,000.