County adopts new rules for private camping and campgrounds after split vote

The San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 18 approved a land‑use code amendment that creates standards for private camping on private property and establishes standalone standards for commercial campgrounds and semi‑primitive campgrounds.

County planner John Huebner told commissioners the package would add section 5‑714 (noncommercial camping) and sections 5‑1008 and 5‑1009 (standards for RV parks, trailer parks, and campgrounds). Huebner said staff proposed limits on multiple camping units on a single private parcel — specifically allowing more than one camping unit on a parcel for up to 14 days in a calendar quarter — and adding clear public‑health safeguards that would prevent long‑term habitation of campers and RVs where appropriate sanitation is not provided.

The planning commission unanimously recommended the amendments, Huebner said, after lengthy discussion about whether to set a maximum camping duration; the planning commission favored allowing property owners and their guests flexibility while setting a 14‑day limit for multiple units on a parcel unless a temporary use permit is approved.

Commissioner Chris Holstrom moved the amendment; Commissioner Anne Brown seconded. Commissioners debated whether the new rules could unintentionally permit indefinite occupancy of one camping unit by an owner or a guest. Brown said she was concerned that the code’s stated purpose — recreational or vacation use — could be read inconsistently with a provision that allows a single private camping unit on a property without a specified time limit. "If I were a neighbor and my neighbor had a camper and it was long term and there was no sign of them ever leaving," Brown said, "I would come in and point at that language you just read." Huebner and Kaye Simonson, senior planner, replied that the section is intended to balance recreational use with existing housing realities and that enforcement remedies (noise, lighting, sanitation) would remain available.

The board approved the amendment on a 2–1 vote. Huebner told the board that owners may occupy a single camping unit indefinitely in the code as adopted, but that additional campers beyond one are limited to 14 days in a calendar quarter. The code also disallows renting camping units as short‑term rentals and requires connection to planned water and sewer systems when campers are used during active home construction.

Mountain Village provided written comments urging clear restroom, lighting and septic standards; county staff noted the code references CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) campground standards and dark‑sky compliant lighting rules. Commissioners directed staff to publish the adopted code text and to notify referral agencies and neighboring municipalities.

Ending: The new rules go into the county’s land‑use code and will be published with referral notices; staff said the code strikes a balance between recreational camping and public‑health safeguards while acknowledging that camping is sometimes used as a housing stopgap.