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Richland board tables proposed campground law after residents and operators raise seasonality, density concerns
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing, the Richland Town Board closed the hearing but voted to table Local Law #2 (campground law) to allow staff and the board time to address concerns about year‑round operation, density limits and notice of draft documents.
The Richland Town Board opened a public hearing on April 14 to consider a proposed replacement of section 532 in the town's campground law that would, among other changes, establish a $250 annual permit for commercial campgrounds.
Streamside RV Park owners and an MBL Engineering representative questioned the proposed restrictions on year‑round operation and the draft’s density limits, arguing the rules could hinder investment and winter tourism related to snowmobiling. Streamside representative Jamie Hern said the owners plan year‑round maintenance and on‑site management and asked whether the draft would allow more sites to accommodate off‑season visitors.
Town officials cited public‑safety and aesthetic concerns as part of the committee’s reasoning. Councilman Larry Atkinson urged prospective buyers to research zoning before purchase, saying, “If you're going to buy a piece of property, see what you can do with it before you buy it.” He and other board members also explained that campgrounds with more than five sites require county health department review and may need variances.
Planner and engineer Mike Lasell told the board that many existing campgrounds in the region run higher densities than the draft allows and recommended clearer written standards for year‑round operation, including winterization and snow‑removal plans. Residents and business representatives also raised procedural questions about how and where the draft amendments were posted before the meeting; the town attorney, Graham Seiter, said the public notice and documents are on file in the Town Clerk's office.
After hearing comments from multiple parties, the board first voted to close the public hearing and then voted to table the proposed Local Law #2 to permit further revision and review. Councilwoman Donna Gilson moved to table the measure and Councilman Atkinson seconded; the motion carried by roll call vote (AYE). The town’s existing campground moratorium remains in effect while revisions continue.
The board asked staff and the attorney to consider clearer criteria for density and explicit language describing when seasonal versus year‑round operation is allowed, and to improve public access to draft materials before future hearings. No formal amendments were adopted at the April 14 meeting.
