Tulsa County man's affordable housing solution hits a big snag

As temperatures began to soar, Terry Crow believed he had found an affordable housing solution for himself and his dog, Zeus.

A home where the two could live in air-conditioned comfort instead of sweltering without it.

He bought a small plot of land in Tulsa County and a 5th wheel camper to put on it until he could afford to build a house.

"The land is paid for, the trailer's paid for, the electric pole is all paid for, it's all paid for." Terry Crow said, " I just need electric."

KJRH

He had a power pole and breaker box installed to supply electricity to the camper, but the County inspector denied its installation.

The land is zoned as residential. Normally, that requires a permanent structure in order to hook up electricity. The County doesn't consider a camper a permanent structure.

Crow called The Problem Solvers for help.

We found out he can ask the County Board of Adjustment for a variance. But it takes time.

The soonest Crow can get on the Board's agenda is July 16. And, only if he pays $816 in fees by June 13 to cover the variance application and pay for mapping and notices of his request to go out to neighbors and be published in the newspaper.

Even if he can find the money, it means weeks of living without electricity and air conditioning and living with uncertainty.

Jay Hoyt with INGOC's planning office said, "It's unknown before the meeting whether they'll go for it or against it, and so there's no guarantee."

More Problem Solver stories

• 'They can live alongside us': What to know if foxes move in nearby

  Cathy Tatom

  2:39 PM, Jun 11, 2024

• Broken Arrow man wants to warn others about threatening text messages

  Cathy Tatom

  8:30 PM, Jun 07, 2024

• Insurance companies use drones and satellite images to spot roof damage

  Cathy Tatom

  6:38 PM, Jun 06, 2024

• Scammers posing as contractors target Claremore tornado victims

  Cathy Tatom

  6:40 PM, Jun 04, 2024

Contact the Problem Solvers:

• 918-748-1502
• problemsolvers@kjrh.com

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --

• Download our free app for Apple , Android and Kindle devices.
• Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Twitter