Kenai planning staff seeks rules for tent camping after reports of seasonal encampments
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Summary
Planning staff said Kenai municipal code lacks specific rules for tent camping on private lots; the commission discussed defining 'temporary dwelling' and numeric thresholds for duration, unit counts and sanitation and directed staff to draft definitions and return for more work sessions.
Planning Director Kevin Buettner told the Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 that the city’s code has limited language addressing tent camping on private property and that recent reports of multiple tents on undeveloped lots highlighted gaps staff think merit discussion.
Buettner said the current code contains provisions for recreational vehicles and for camping on some public property but “there are very limited, specific to tent camping itself.” He identified Kenai Municipal Code 13.10.06 (sanitary facilities) as the principal existing provision that could be applied in some cases but said the city otherwise lacks a clear definition or thresholds for private‑lot tenting.
Commissioners and staff discussed a range of options: defining key terms such as “tent,” “temporary shelter” and “campground”; setting thresholds by number of units, lot size, or duration that would trigger permitting or classification as a campground; clarifying sanitation and trash requirements; referencing existing fire‑safety restrictions and accessory‑structure rules; and tying land‑use allowances to the land‑use table rather than reusing RV provisions.
Several commissioners raised examples of very small subdivided lots being cleared and used for camping or informal cabins without permits, and noted enforcement challenges where structures have been erected without permits. Buettner said enforcement would follow the city’s civil code procedures (Title 13) if a new rule were adopted and could ultimately involve code enforcement and the city attorney if a landowner refuses to comply.
Buettner summarized next steps: staff will synthesize feedback from the work session, draft proposed definitions for “temporary dwelling” and related code language (including duration and sanitation options), and return with a draft ordinance or code amendments for additional work sessions and public input.
The discussion was part of a work session; no policy or regulation changes were enacted at the meeting.
