SCBC deny variance request, 4-1

A Stephens County man will have to move after the Stephens County Board of Commissioners voted against his requested variance.

At the recent Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting, Greg Bagwell came before the board in hopes of receiving a variance that would allow him to continue living in a camper until his father’s estate is settled.

According to County Administrator Phyllis Ayers there has been complaints from some residence who reported Bagwell had been draining the camper’s sewage storage tank into the surrounding wooded area.

However, when asked, Bagwell told the commission that he had not improperly drained the sewage tank; but rather, he had followed the correct measures in removing the sewage.

Vice Chair Dean Scarborough made a motion to deny the variance request, and Commissioner Dennis Bell seconded the motion. The motion passed, 4-1.

Commissioner Debbie Whitlock voted against the motion.

After voting, the board closed the discussion and continued following the list of items on the agenda.

Whitlock attempted to make a motion to open the discussion again in order to hear the details of Bagwell’s eviction; however, in the midst of conversation, County Marshal Tony Addison said Bagwell would have seven days to move out.

According to the Stephens County Land Use Ordinance the county prohibits the use of recreational vehicles as a dwelling.