Public hearing: Warren County advances Chapter 25 (camper/RV ordinance) after extensive public comment

The Warren County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing Nov. 6 on a proposed ordinance (Chapter 25) to regulate temporary residential use of campers and recreational vehicles in unincorporated Warren County. The board read the ordinance into the record, heard multiple public commenters and directed staff to refine enforcement language and hardship exemptions before returning the measure for final action.

Chapter 25 as read by staff defines key terms and sets limits and exceptions. The ordinance would prohibit occupancy of a camper or RV as a residence for more than 21 cumulative days within any consecutive 60-day period unless one of the following applies: an active Warren County building permit for construction of a permanent dwelling on the parcel with ongoing work; the camper/RV is located in a licensed campground or RV park authorized under county zoning; or a temporary hardship exemption is approved by the zoning administrator (up to six months, with a one-time 90-day extension possible).

The ordinance also requires that all waste, including sewage and gray water, be disposed of in compliance with Iowa Administrative Code chapter 69 and county public-health rules; that water and electrical connections meet state…