In a recent government meeting, officials discussed proposed changes to zoning regulations regarding agritourism and camping facilities. The new Conditional Use Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) aims to allow campgrounds as a conditional use in Agricultural Residential (AR) and Resource Conservation (RC) zones, with specific standards outlined for property size and structure types.

The ZTA stipulates that properties must be a minimum of 25 acres to qualify for campground use, with a maximum of 10% of the property or 5 acres designated for camping. Campgrounds must maintain a setback of 100 feet from neighboring property lines and 125 feet from roadways. The maximum number of structures permitted varies by property size, allowing up to five structures on properties between 25 and 100 acres, and up to ten on larger properties, with a limit of five recreational vehicles (RVs).

Key discussions centered around the definitions of \"removable structures\" versus \"temporary structures,\" as well as the permitting process for various types of camping accommodations. Council members emphasized the need for clarity in regulations to ensure safety while promoting agritourism. The proposed regulations would require that all sleeping accommodations be easily transferable and not permanently affixed to the ground, which would necessitate permits for any structures that involve significant installation, such as concrete footings.

The meeting highlighted the importance of balancing regulatory oversight with the promotion of agritourism, as officials sought to refine the language of the ZTA to better define allowable structures and the permitting process. The council is expected to continue discussions on these amendments in future sessions, aiming to finalize the regulations that will govern camping facilities in the region.