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Charlotte County planning panel asks Board for joint hearing on adding 'retreats' to zoning code
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to request a joint public hearing with the Board of Supervisors to consider adding 'retreats' (campgrounds) as a conditional use, after staff presented draft zoning language setting parcel, density and health/safety standards.
The Charlotte County Planning Commission voted April 28 to request a joint public hearing with the Board of Supervisors to consider a zoning amendment that would add “retreats” (campgrounds) as a conditional use in agricultural districts. Assistant County Administrator Monica Elder presented the draft language to the panel.
The draft would add Retreats to Article 9 and revise Article 12 definitions so that “Campground or Retreat” covers land designed to accommodate paying guests in tents, travel trailers or cabins. Proposed standards in Section 10-16 include a minimum parcel size of five acres, a minimum campsite area of 2,000 square feet, a maximum density of 15 sites per gross acre, and a requirement that at least 25% of the tract be open or recreation area (no more than half of that area may be water). The language would also bar year‑round residency by guests (no guest may occupy a unit more than 60 days per calendar year) and allow one single‑family dwelling for staff or operators.
Monica Elder told the Commission the proposed rule would require potable water and communal toilet and bathing facilities meeting state and local health requirements, safe all‑weather access suitable for emergency vehicles, and visual screening for parking and loading areas. The draft also states that service buildings shall be permanent structures complying with applicable codes and that accessory uses customarily incidental to a campground’s operation would be allowed.
Landowners Dave and Debbie Sanders told the Commission the proposed language addressed their needs. Commissioner Cornell Goldman moved to request the joint public hearing; Kerwin Kunath seconded and the motion carried with all members present voting yes.
Next steps: the Commission will forward its request to the Board of Supervisors and a joint public hearing date will be set by the Board. No final zoning change has been adopted; the joint hearing would provide an opportunity for public comment and further revision.
