Warren County approves first reading of ordinance limiting long-term RV residency on private property

The Warren County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 21 approved the first reading of Chapter 25, an ordinance that would limit occupancy of campers and recreational vehicles on private property to no more than 21 consecutive days within any consecutive 60-day period unless the occupant meets one of three exceptions, the board said.

The measure — described by county staff as aimed at preventing long-term living in RVs without permits or proper utilities — passed on a roll-call vote after a public hearing in which residents urged stronger enforcement and quicker sheriff response to problem properties.

The ordinance text presented to the board says: “No person shall occupy, and no property owner shall allow the occupancy of any camper or recreational vehicle as a residence on private property within unincorporated Warren County for more than 21 consecutive days within any consecutive 60 day period” unless (1) there is an active building permit for construction on the property, (2) the camper is in a licensed campground or RV park authorized under Warren County zoning, or (3) a temporary hardship exception is granted. Travis, the county staff member who presented the draft, read that 21-day limit aloud during the public hearing.

The draft also directs enforcement as county infractions under Chapter 2 of the Warren County Code of Ordinances, states that each day of violation will constitute a separate offense, and authorizes the Warren County zoning department and the sheriff’s office to enforce the rule. A county staff member explained in the hearing that violation notices would originate from zoning, accompanied by legal counsel if necessary.

Residents who spoke at the hearing said enforcement has been inconsistent. Kevin Warden of Somerset said he had been told by law enforcement, “I was told that I didn't know the law,” when reporting suspected long-term occupancy. Billy Joe Wharton, another Somerset resident, said the situation had “affected my life for 2 years” and added, “I just feel really disrespected.” Fauna Sheyhan, who lives next to the site in Somerset, said she feared for her safety and that campers on neighboring property kept her from leaving her home at night.

Board members acknowledged gaps in enforcement and discussed hiring additional staff in the zoning department to investigate neighbor-driven complaints and coordinate with environmental health, legal, and sheriff’s personnel. One supervisor told residents, “The county is done with people living in campers permanently,” and said the county plans further work sessions to refine enforcement procedures and staffing.

The board voted to approve the first reading, set a second reading for Nov. 6 at 9:45 a.m., and set an effective date of Dec. 1, 2025, if subsequent procedural steps are completed. The board also asked staff to finalize the ordinance language and the media/legal posting schedule before the second reading.

Residents who testified asked for clear timelines and stronger on-call response by sheriff’s deputies; supervisors said they intend to seek sheriff’s office cooperation and to return to work sessions that include the county attorney and sheriff to finalize enforcement logistics.

The board did not adopt a specific fine schedule in open discussion beyond reading that violations would be county infractions under Chapter 2 and that “each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.” Staff said the draft includes daily penalties and described the typical progression of notices followed by fines, but board members emphasized that the exact enforcement timetable and first-day penalty amount would be finalized in the ordinance language to be posted before the second reading.

If the ordinance is adopted at subsequent readings, property owners who permit long-term occupancy without a permitted exception would be subject to daily infractions and potential penalties tied to the property, the board indicated.