The Texarkana City Board voted Monday to prohibit people from living in storage sheds after complaints arose about the issue. City planner Jamie Finley explained that the sheds lack basic necessities like water.
Rachel Burnett, a citizen, urged the board to consider the city’s poverty and homelessness rates before the vote. However, City Manager Tyler Richards noted that living in storage units was already illegal, though no specific ordinance existed.
Building official Rogers Douglas called the practice unsanitary, while City Attorney Josh Potter pointed out multiple code violations, including fire hazards.
The ordinance passed with five votes in favor and one against, cast by Ward 5 Director Dan Jewell.
In other news, 19 nuisance properties were cleaned, and the board approved adding the costs to property tax bills. The next board meeting is set for October 7.
