Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town debates limits on living in camp trailers, defers vote
Summary
Pignell Town councilors debated whether to limit camp trailers to 10 consecutive days with a 40-day annual cap, a 30-day annual cap, or other variants. Councilors raised enforcement challenges, potential loopholes for long-term occupancy and proposed liens as an enforcement tool; a vote was scheduled for next week.
PIGNELL — Councilors at a Pignell Town work meeting on Jan. 29 debated competing drafts of an ordinance to limit how long camp trailers and RVs may be used as temporary housing.
Chair (S2) summarized options being considered, including a limit of 10 consecutive days with a 40-day annual cap, a straight 30 days per calendar year, or 10 consecutive days with a 30-day annual maximum. "We've talked about this a little bit," the chair said, asking members for their opinions on which approach would prevent people from effectively living in trailers while allowing short-term guests.
Supporters of a shorter consecutive limit said it preserves summer visitation while reducing the risk that trailers become de facto residences. Committee member (S6) argued for a 10-consecutive-day rule with an annual cap that would force people to leave between stays: "Make it so thoroughly inconvenient they don't wanna live in it," S6 said, proposing a mandatory break after the consecutive period. Others said a total annual limit (30 or 40 days) would better close weekend-return loopholes.
Several councilors noted exceptions are needed when residents are actively building a home. "If you're building, you can live in it for six months with the ability to get an extension if you're actually building," Committee member (S6) said, referencing a building-exemption approach discussed by staff.
Enforcement, several speakers warned, will be difficult. Committee member (S4) suggested the town's primary enforcement mechanism could be a lien on property for repeated violations: "The only way we can enforce this is by putting a lien on your property," S4 said, adding that the prospect of a lien would deter most people from ignoring the rule. Others questioned how the town would monitor stays and distinguish short visits from residency, and raised concerns about fairness for residents who use trailers to host visiting family.
No formal ordinance vote took place; the chair said the council would vote the following week. The council directed staff to draft specific language reflecting the 10-consecutive/40-maximum compromise discussed by several members and to include clear exemptions for active construction projects.
