Committee advances ordinance setting rules for RV parks and campgrounds

The Cheyenne Public Services Committee voted to approve on second reading a broad set of amendments to the Unified Development Code that would define recreational vehicle (RV) parks and campgrounds, designate where they may be allowed, and establish development and long-term-occupancy standards.

Planning and Development Director Charles Blundesen told the committee the ordinance replaces a prior “work camp” classification and establishes definitions (including a “self-contained unit” definition aligned with local public health), permissibility across zones, and design standards. The rules would make RV parks a conditional use in AG (agricultural), AR (agricultural-residential) and CB (community business) districts and a permitted use in light industrial zones.

Key development standards in the draft include: landscape buffers along street frontage, interior vehicle access restrictions, 10% of gross development area or 4,500 square feet (whichever is greater) reserved for outdoor recreation, canopy trees adjacent to spaces, minimum tent/cabin space of 500 square feet, and 1,700 square feet of dog-run area per acre. The ordinance requires one-to-one water and sewer service connections for each RV space. Spaces occupied for more than 180 consecutive days would be restricted to designated long-term areas in a park, require a storage structure (not to exceed 160 sq ft), skirting and appearance standards, RVIA certification, manufacture within the last 20 years, and prohibition on permanent additions.

Committee members raised enforcement and nuisance concerns. Members asked whether electricity would be required for each space; staff said the draft requires water and sewer but not electrical hookups, though staff agreed to prepare options for committee consideration that would add electrical service either for all spaces or only for long-term spaces. Members said they were concerned about generator noise if electrical hookups were not required for long-term spaces; staff agreed to return recommended language.

The planning commission had previously asked staff to clarify a one-acre minimum and other items; the commission later removed the one-acre minimum and the draft before the committee reflects the planning commission’s recommendations. Existing RV facilities within city limits would be grandfathered, staff said. The motion to approve on second reading was made by a committee member and seconded; the committee voted in favor. The committee packet includes the redline ordinance and accompanying maps.