Planning Commission tables proposed text change to allow RVs on nonprofit lots

Tooele City Planning Commission on Feb. 5 considered a proposed text amendment to Tooele City Code (Title 7, Chapter 9) that would permit up to three recreational vehicles on the parking lots of qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide services to people experiencing homelessness.

Planning staff described the proposed change as an ancillary use intended to allow organizations such as the SwitchPoint Community and Harris Community Village to accommodate temporary recreational-vehicle housing while continuing to provide meals and access to showers and bathrooms. The draft text forwarded by the police department included requirements that organizations make daily meals and sanitary facilities available, limit the number of recreational vehicles on a site to three and cap individual stays at six months.

Commissioners pressed staff on several operational details. Commissioner Hammer asked whether the ordinance would require trash removal and running water; staff said vehicles would not connect to city utilities under the current draft and invited commissioners to add trash-removal or other requirements. Commissioner Linford raised concerns about heating, emergency checks and suggested nonprofits register each trailer and record arrival dates to track the six-month limit. Commissioner Anderson asked whether existing RV-park screening and pet-food storage rules should apply to prevent rodent problems.

Several commissioners noted inconsistency with standard RV-park rules (which typically require utilities and limit stays to 30 days) and worried that a six-month allowance without utility connections could create safety or management issues. Staff said the proposal is not intended to create a conventional RV park but to allow a limited, ancillary use, and that the proposal originated with Police Chief Day.

Chairman Hamilton opened the required public hearing; no public commenters addressed this agenda item. After discussion, Commissioner Proctor moved to table the amendment so staff can provide more detailed language and answers on enforcement, trash service, registration, licensing/insurance, screening, rodent prevention and ties to funding or Medicaid issues. Commissioner Anderson seconded. A roll-call vote recorded unanimous support to table the item.

Next steps: staff will follow up with additional details and may invite Chief Day to the planning commission to answer enforcement questions before the item returns for another public hearing.