Columbia County proposes strict regulations for campgrounds and RV parks

The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners held a workshop meeting on March 6, 2025, to discuss proposed revisions to the county's land development regulations concerning campgrounds and RV parks. This meeting followed a moratorium placed on new campgrounds and RV parks while the board evaluated potential regulatory changes.

The workshop began with a presentation detailing the current state of campgrounds in Columbia County, which includes 836 RV slots. The discussion highlighted the varying regulations in neighboring counties, emphasizing the need for tailored regulations in Columbia County.

Key proposed changes to the regulations were outlined, focusing on seven main areas. First, the definition of a campsite would be expanded to include both movable accommodations, such as RVs and trailers, and immovable structures like cabins and yurts. This change aims to clarify previous ambiguities regarding campground developments in environmentally sensitive areas.

Another significant proposal involves increasing the minimum area for RV trailer sites from 1,200 square feet to 4,500 square feet, with specific dimensions of 45 feet wide by 100 feet deep. This change is intended to ensure adequate space for movable accommodations while maintaining existing sizes for traditional campsites.

The board also discussed setback requirements, proposing a 50-foot buffer for RV parks and a minimum of 20 contiguous acres for campgrounds. This aims to prevent RV parks from being established in smaller, less compact areas. Additionally, RV parks would not be permitted adjacent to platted subdivisions with lots smaller than 5 acres, promoting a more remote development approach.

Lastly, the proposed regulations would require RV parks and campgrounds to connect to centralized water and sanitary sewer systems, moving away from the use of septic tanks. This change is expected to cluster RV park developments near public utilities, enhancing environmental safety and infrastructure efficiency.

The board's discussions indicated a shift from a permissive to a more restrictive regulatory environment for RV parks and campgrounds, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development practices in Columbia County. Further discussions and potential votes on these proposed changes are anticipated in future meetings.