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Planning commission recommends denial of text amendments that would allow RV parks in residential zones
Summary
After hearings and discussion about infrastructure, lot size and public-health risks, the Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Commission not approve two text amendments that would allow RV parks as a conditional use in R‑1 and R‑2 zones.
The Goodland Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Commission deny two proposed zoning-text amendments that would allow recreational-vehicle parks as a conditional use in R‑1 and R‑2 residential zones.
Staff summarized past discussions and a 16-item checklist (Chapter 19, Section 5‑02(t)) of conditions that RV parks must meet. Commissioners said multiple items on that checklist — including minimum lot size, landscaping, minimum widths and setbacks, lighting, water service, sewage disposal and trash handling — would be difficult to satisfy on typical residential lots.
Commissioner Grady Bridal moved that the commission recommend the City Commission not approve the amendment to the use table (Chapter 19, Section 5‑01) to allow RV parks in residential districts; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Commissioner Curtis Penrod then moved and the commission passed a second motion recommending denial of the use-standards amendment in Chapter 19, Section 5‑02.
Commissioners cited public-health concerns tied to inadequate sewer hookups and the potential for increased nighttime lighting in residential areas. Kent noted that the City Commission had previously asked the planning commission to consider allowing RV parks only if they meet the same standards required of commercial campgrounds. Commissioners observed that Goodland already has two commercial campgrounds (KOA and Mid America) that have invested in infrastructure and argued those sites are better suited to meet demand.
Several commissioners also discussed the idea of a time-limited allowance — Kent said the City Commission had discussed an 18‑month period tied to demand — but commissioners expressed concern that temporary allowances could become de facto permanent changes to neighborhood character.
With the planning commission’s recommendation, staff will present the commission’s findings and the list of problematic items to the City Commission at its next meeting. Kent noted the City Commission can adopt, override by a two‑thirds vote, or return the recommendation to planning with requested clarifications.
