Public raises enforcement and definition questions as Bluff reviews RV and mobile-home rules

Planning and Zoning and staff presented a draft recreational-vehicle (RV), RV-park and mobile-home ordinance during the Oct. 28 public hearing, explaining the code would identify where RVs are permitted, lot and setback requirements, how many units are permitted in different zones, and minimum park standards.

The presenter said the draft aims to accommodate existing RV uses while protecting neighbors and public health and safety, noting the document includes charts that describe allowed locations, unit counts and dimensional standards. The commission also noted the draft has been to an earlier public hearing, is undergoing legal review, and the public is invited to provide additional feedback before the comment deadline.

During in-person comment, Josh Ewing raised several concerns after reading the draft: street camping and overnight occupied parking should be restricted, definitions of “long term” and “short term” are inconsistent or unclear, driveway definitions and how many RVs are allowed in a driveway need clarification, and he recommended prohibiting generator use except during electrical outages. Ewing said, “a simple wording change could… add the words unoccupied, parking,” to avoid allowing occupied overnight camping anywhere on town streets.

Nicole Croft, director of operations at Verziers Partnership, spoke online and asked for clarity on whether RV spots used by volunteers or short-term staff at nonprofit properties fall under the definition of a "recreational vehicle park," so her organization can comply.

The commission and staff asked commenters to submit written suggestions and said staff or commissioners can follow up individually with property-specific questions where appropriate. The draft remains in public hearing; staff urged written comments by 5 p.m. Nov. 7, 2025.

No formal vote or ordinance adoption took place at the hearing.