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Proposed RV and ADU rules draw sustained public comment and staff apology; board to return ordinance to planning process
Summary
A prolonged public comment period and a detailed staff presentation on proposed RV/ADU code changes produced sharp disagreements over harm-reduction policy, enforcement and property-rights concerns; Community Development Director Bruce Emory apologized for prior remarks and outlined proposed limits and requirements.
A proposed update to Clallam County’s code governing RV occupancy and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) prompted an extended public debate and a detailed presentation from the county’s Community Development director at the Feb. 24 commissioners meeting.
Director Bruce Emory apologized to the public for earlier remarks characterizing testimony as "rabid," then summarized key elements of the draft ordinance: allow one occupied RV indefinitely on a parcel with a primary residence, permit a second RV to be present (with occupancy allowed by conditional-use permit), remove the 90-consecutive-day occupancy limit for properties with a house, require approved power (no long-term generator use) and approved sewage disposal for RVs occupied more than 30 days, set setbacks from property boundaries, and keep RVs out of critical areas and easements. The proposed language would also recognize park models and align short-term-rental definitions with state guidance.
Public comment lasted more than an hour and showcased a deep split in community views. Supporters of harm reduction and continued funding for the county health office said programs save lives and deserve backing. "The people most impacted by harm reduction outreach are very, very worthy of our investment as a community," said Jensen, a Port Angeles resident and business owner. Opponents said harm-reduction approaches enable crime and encampments and called for stronger enforcement; John Worthington and others urged clearer accountability and proposed reassigning or removing the county health officer.
Residents also raised practical concerns about the draft code’s cost and enforceability: requiring separate septic hookups or upgrades can run into tens of thousands of dollars; conditional-use permits carry higher fees and a hearing-examiner review; and Growth Management Act constraints on rural density could limit how many RVs a parcel can lawfully accommodate without being treated as an RV park.
Emory said the goal of the update is to remove an unenforceable occupancy clock for people who legitimately want to use RVs as housing and to provide clearer, more enforceable standards that address public-health and aesthetic concerns. He told the board the office plans to split related changes into separate ordinance tracks so the planning commission and the public can review accessory-dwelling, park-model and RV-use topics individually.
No final action was taken; the board directed staff to continue the planning-process steps, including further planning-commission review and future public hearings.
What’s next: the draft ordinance will return to the planning commission for further recommendation and public comment before the board considers any final code changes.
