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Bluff commission pauses RV ordinance adoption after business owners flag wording and commissioners request more revisions
Summary
After public comment, commissioners agreed the draft RV ordinance needs further revision to clarify permitted uses, nonconforming-lot treatment, and flexible wording for RV parks; no final vote was taken and the item is scheduled for continued review ahead of Dec. 18.
The Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 4 heard public comment and extensive discussion on a draft RV ordinance but did not adopt it, deciding instead to revise several sections after owners and commissioners identified unclear or potentially restrictive language.
"I reviewed the RV ordinance, and I'm one of the owners of the Cadillac branch RV park," said Carrie Harris, who urged commissioners to avoid language that could inadvertently restrict evolving RV-park business models. Harris pointed to page 6, section 5.1(a), where examples of park inclusions list tiny homes, modular homes and repurposed structures but (as printed) omitted ‘‘RVs’’ from that example. She asked the commission to change the phrasing to allow future changes in industry practice, suggesting language such as “may include, but is not limited to.”
Commissioners noted specific provisions that require clarification: the draft permits tiny houses on wheels (THOW); allows RVs to park for up to one night on a residential street or alley; allows RVs or mobile homes to be used as dwellings when someone is constructing a building for up to one year; allows nonoperable RVs to be used as storage on private property subject to setbacks; permits RV use as long-term or short-term rental when a valid short-term rental permit and safety connections are in place; and generally includes density or setback limits for private parcels. The enforcement section currently describes violations as potentially punishable as a class C misdemeanor and authorizes fines; commissioners noted that enforcement language still needs legal polishing by the town attorney.
Commissioners also discussed whether small or ‘‘nonconforming’’ lots can be developed and whether an RV may serve as a long-term residence if utilities and septic permission are provided. The commission agreed to add clearer nonconforming-lot language and to preserve flexibility (for example, adding "and more" or "not limited to" language in lists) so business owners can adapt.
The commission asked staff and commissioners to rework the draft, said they may hold an additional work session and scheduled further review at the Dec. 18 meeting. No formal action was taken on the RV ordinance at the Dec. 4 meeting.
