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Council adopts RV zoning changes tightening definitions and stay limits
Summary
The Merkel City Council adopted Ordinance No. 04-21-2026-1 on April 21, 2026, updating city zoning rules for recreational vehicles, changing definitions, revising permitted uses and special-use regulations, and altering grace periods and length-of-stay rules; the measure passed unanimously, 5-0.
The Merkel City Council adopted Ordinance No. 04-21-2026-1 on April 21, 2026, amending Ordinance No. 0727-98 to add definitions for "recreational vehicles" and "recreational vehicle parks," remove older "vacation travel trailer" definitions, revise permitted uses and establish special regulations for RV use and storage. The ordinance also included amendments addressing grandfather variances, changes to the grace period and length of stay, and removal of a storage pad material requirement. The ordinance was moved by Councilmember Tyler Newberry, seconded by Lexi Smith, and approved 5-0.
City Manager Hitt described the permitting process, visitation-day limits, storage rules and Planning & Zoning recommendations during a public hearing that included comments from resident Chris Kelly, who raised concerns about impacts on citizens with multiple RVs, use of city utility hookups, setbacks and individuals living in RVs. The council closed the public hearing and then voted to adopt the ordinance, which becomes effective as provided in the ordinance language. The council record lists the ordinance by number and the motion, which passed unanimously.
