Planning panel seeks rules for RVs parked on private property

The local planning/permits body opened a discussion about possible new rules for recreational vehicles parked or occupied on private property, asking staff and the city attorney to refine draft language and return the item for further review.

The chair introduced the issue and said the attorney is still working on the text; board members were asked to provide feedback to Kevin to incorporate into the draft. A member urged numerical limits to avoid multiple RVs clustered in one yard, saying, “I think we should cap it to one.”

Members discussed differences between storage, family use and rental of RV spaces. Randy Atkins said single‑family households with space should be allowed to accommodate an RV but suggested prohibiting commercial rentals or capping the number permitted for rent. The group noted that under existing ordinance language, “anything more than one, two or more counts as an RV park,” which triggers a separate approval process.

Board members raised public‑safety and utility concerns for occupied RVs, including winter weather risks and separation of sewage and water. One participant asked who would enforce the new rules and whether the enforcement officer’s budget had been considered; members agreed enforcement capacity and cost need to be part of any final proposal.

The board did not vote on the draft ordinance tonight. The item will return to the planning body once counsel finalizes the language, then be forwarded to city council for final action.