Planning commission narrows proposed "personal campground" ordinance; commissioners drop R‑1 acreage requirement

Madison County planning staff and commissioners continued work on a proposed zoning update that would add a definition for “personal campground” and make the use explicit in the code. The discussion was held during a third workshop on a zoning ordinance amendment (2024 ZOA‑12‑18‑02).

Why it matters: Commissioners said they want property owners to be able to use their land for short‑term camping without creating a pathway to permanent residence or to unregulated commercial campgrounds. The amendment would also provide county enforcement tools to address tents or RVs used as long‑term residences.

Discussion and key details: Staff proposed a definition that would allow temporary, non‑compensated camping on private property with specific limits and sanitation requirements; it included a proposal limiting the number of RV pads per acreage. Commissioners debated whether the definition should list applicable zoning districts or whether the definition should stand alone and the permitted districts be modified elsewhere in the ordinance. Members suggested a practical approach: include the clear, enforceable definition in the code and explicitly add the use as by‑right in A‑1 and C‑1 and in R‑1 but strike a proposed 10‑acre minimum for R‑1 so small rural lots could lawfully host personal camping consistent with other ordinance requirements.

Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement and exceptions (for nonprofit groups or scouts) and the need for the public‑health requirements such as handwashing stations when porta‑toilets are used. Staff said the final ordinance will also reference spacing, pad size and density formulas already used elsewhere in the ordinance rather than duplicate conflicting text.

Outcome and next steps: The commission directed staff to remove the 10‑acre R‑1 requirement from the draft and to draft language incorporating the definition and adding personal campground as a by‑right use where appropriate; staff will return the draft for one more workshop before a public hearing.

Ending: Commissioners said the revised approach should be easier for staff and for the public to interpret and requested a final workshop before advertising for public hearing.