Cloud Lake adopts ordinance banning camping on vacant lots, tightens vacant‑lot maintenance rules

The Cloud Lake Town Council on Jan. 8 adopted Ordinance No. 165, amending Chapter 28 of the town zoning code to create new standards for vacant‑lot maintenance and to prohibit camping on vacant parcels.

Mayor Russ Nidy said the ordinance responds to illegal camping incidents and difficulties removing occupants from vacant lots. Town Attorney William P. Doney read the ordinance by title and clarified that, under the amendment, a platted parcel with a single property control number is treated as one parcel for enforcement; an RV cannot be parked on a vacant lot, though RV parking remains allowed on developed lots next to or behind a residence.

The ordinance was moved for adoption by Council Member Alexandra Powell‑Sardinas and seconded by Council Member Kathleen Hoock. The motion passed on a 4‑0 vote with Council Member John Tyson absent.

Council members said the change is aimed at improving public safety and property upkeep. Vice Mayor Marion Chateau‑Flagg and other members raised related concerns earlier in the meeting about individuals camping in FDOT right‑of‑way and related trash issues; the ordinance is a separate, town‑level tool to address camping on private vacant parcels.

The ordinance text amends Article I, Section 28‑10 of Chapter 28 (Zoning) by creating a subsection addressing vacant lot maintenance and a subsection prohibiting camping on vacant lots. The attorney and council did not provide an immediate implementation schedule during the meeting; staff will follow up on enforcement procedures at a future meeting.

The ordinance was the primary formal action on the agenda; other routine items were approved as part of the consent agenda earlier in the meeting.