North Platte planning commission leaves RV-parking ordinance unchanged, asks council for clarity on 'hard surface'

The City of North Platte Planning Commission held a public hearing on Aug. 28, 2025 about proposed changes to City Code §76.22 regulating the parking and storage of recreational vehicles and voted to forward the ordinance to City Council with no recommendation.

Planning staff presented proposed edits to AM25-006, including changes affecting side-yard setback language, and a change that would require RV slide-outs to remain fully retracted "subject to all existing setbacks." Staff asked the commission for guidance on how to define a required "hard surface," a term that was discussed heavily during the hearing.

Several residents testified. Dale East (4173 Sequoia Drive) opposed new side-yard setbacks, saying many homeowners rely on side-lot parking to keep campers off the street. Mark Kenny urged the commission to "leave it alone," and Stewart Simpson described seeing many RVs parked on streets and noted enforcement will be required. Commissioners debated whether "hard surface" should be narrowly defined (concrete) or remain flexible to reflect neighborhood norms (gravel, crushed rock, pavers) and discussed enforcement constraints and equity for lower-income homeowners.

Commissioners expressed concern about making the requirement cost-prohibitive if it mandated concrete pads; others said a clear definition could help enforcement. Several speakers also asked staff to clarify the distinction between "parking" and "storing" (with one commissioner suggesting storing should be defined as parking longer than 72 hours). After discussion Commissioner Jeff moved (seconded by Commissioner Nelson) a motion to make no recommendation and forward the ordinance as presented; the motion passed. The planning commission will forward AM25-006 to City Council for public hearings and final action.