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Commission approves ordinance allowing limited RV stays in mobile‑home parks after split vote
Summary
The Ashland Board of City Commissioners adopted an amendment permitting recreational vehicles in existing mobile‑home parks with a six‑month stay and one six‑month extension (12 months total). Planning staff said the change balances demand from temporary workers while not allowing permanent dwelling; the measure passed 3–2.
The Ashland Board of City Commissioners on June 25 adopted an amendment to the city’s land‑use code allowing recreational vehicles (RVs) to locate in existing mobile‑home parks for a six‑month period with a single six‑month extension, effectively capping occupancy at 12 months in one location.
Katherine, a planning‑department staffer, told commissioners the planning commission recommended the change after receiving complaints about RVs placed at a mobile‑home park on Roberts Drive. “RVs are not considered to be suitable for permanent dwelling. They are motor vehicles,” she said, noting federal and industry guidance and that health‑department rules and occupancy permits would still apply for spacing and utility hookups.
Opponents said the change would harm neighborhood appearance where parks have deteriorated. Commissioner Renfro said the site he visited looked run down and argued the city should not permit that character “within the city limits of Ashland.” Commissioner Rymer and others questioned the threat of permanent habitation and asked how code enforcement would verify permit compliance; staff said occupants would obtain occupancy permits and code enforcement would monitor compliance.
The ordinance drew a roll‑call vote: Commissioner Gu voted yes, Commissioner Martin voted yes, Commissioner Rymer voted no, Commissioner Renfro voted no and Mayor Charles voted yes; the measure passed 3–2.
Under the adopted language, RVs would be permitted only in existing mobile‑home parks that meet health‑department standards; the six‑month initial occupancy and a six‑month extension were described by staff as a compromise to accommodate travel nurses and temporary contractors while avoiding permanent RV residency in a single park.
The board’s action follows planning‑staff research showing other Kentucky communities set shorter limits; the city attorney and planning staff said the health department must still approve hookups and spacing before any individual park may accept RVs. The commission did not adopt additional enforcement language at the meeting beyond the occupancy‑permit requirement.
Next steps: the ordinance took effect following final adoption the same day; code enforcement and planning staff will administer occupancy permits and coordinate with the health department on any park conversions or RV occupancy requests.
