The recreational vehicle parks (RV Parks) article is created to promote the safety and health of the residents of such communities and of other nearby communities. Additionally, the article is created to encourage economical and orderly development of such communities and of other nearby communities. It is, therefore, declared to be the policy of the city to eliminate and prevent health and safety hazards and to promote the economical and orderly development and utilization of land by providing for planned and supervised recreational vehicle communities by providing for the standards and regulations necessary to accomplish these purposes.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
This article shall apply to any recreational vehicle park(s) and to any recreational vehicle located on a lot, tract or parcel within the city limits or within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) when the lot, tract or parcel in the ETJ is regulated by the city’s ordinances and building codes through a signed water and/or sewer utility contract.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
Accessory structure.
Any structural improvement and/or accessory building to a recreational vehicle or site, including awnings, cabanas, carports, garages, porches, storage cabinets, storage sheds and similar appurtenant structures.
Building official.
The official of the city responsible for permitting and inspections of building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing associated with a property.
Licensee or agent.
A person who may or may not own the RV park but is the person responsible for the day-to-day management and operations including the records and license of the RV park.
Majority ownership.
A firm or entity, person or developer who controls at least fifty-one (51) percent of ownership.
Opaque fence.
A fence made of solid masonry, wood, vinyl or other materials designed to shield the RV park from public view.
Owner.
The person whose name is shown on the title to the inclusive lot(s), block(s), tract(s) or parcel(s) of land upon which a recreational vehicle park or site exists.
Recreational vehicle.
For the purposes of this section, the term “recreational vehicle” shall include any vehicular portable structure designed for a temporary or short-term occupancy for travel, recreational, or vacation uses. Such vehicles shall include self-propelled recreational vehicles, travel trailers, converted buses, tent trailers, motor homes, or similar devices used for temporary portable housing.
Recreational vehicle park or RV park.
Any lot, tract or parcel of land upon which accommodation is provided for two (2) or more recreational vehicles used as living or sleeping quarters by the day, week or month whether a charge is or is not made.
Recreational vehicle site or RV site.
Any portion of any lot(s), block(s), tract(s), or parcel(s) of land designed to accommodate one occupied recreational vehicle used as living or sleeping quarters by the day, week or month whether a charge is or is not made.
Recreational vehicle space or RV space.
That part of a lot or area in a recreational vehicle park or RV park that has been reserved for the placement of one (1) recreational vehicle or RV.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
Required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any RV park within the city limits unless he/she holds a valid license issued annually by the city in the name of the person for the specific RV park. The applicant shall make all applications for the license on forms furnished by the city which shall issue a license upon compliance with the provisions of this article.
(b) 
Hearing on denial.
Any person whose application for a license, under this article, has been denied may request, and shall be granted, a hearing on this matter before the city council.
(c) 
Application for renewal.
All RV park licenses expire on December 31st of every year. Application for renewal of a license shall be made in writing by the licensee on forms furnished by the city on or before December 1st of each year. If application for renewal is not submitted within the specified time line then a late fee as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code shall be accrued for each week following the deadline. Such application shall contain any changes in the information occurring after the original license was issued or the latest renewal granted.
(d) 
Fee.
All applications shall be accompanied by the fees set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(e) 
Approval of transfer.
Every person holding a license shall give notice in writing to the city within ten (10) days after having sold, transferred, given away or otherwise disposed of interest in, or control of, any RV park. Application for transfer of a license shall be made within ten (10) calendar days after notification of change covered in this subsection. Thereafter, applicant shall comply with the provisions of section 4.06.019 of this article.
(f) 
Suspension.
(1) 
Whenever, upon inspection of any RV park, the city finds that conditions or practices exist which are in violation of any provisions of this article or adopted building codes applicable to such park, the city shall provide notice in writing to the owner and/or manager of the park, and if such conditions or practices have not been corrected in the time frame set forth in the notice, the city will suspend the license and give notice of such suspension. Upon suspension of the license, the licensee shall cease operation of such park.
(2) 
The suspension of the license may be appealed to the city council as set forth in section 4.06.006 of this article.
(3) 
It is required that every person holding a RV park license shall give notice in writing to the city within ten (10) days after voluntary cessation of operations of the RV park.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
(a) 
Authorized.
The city building official or designee shall make one (1) annual inspection per RV park and additional inspections as are necessary, without prior notice, to determine compliance with this article.
(b) 
Entry on premises.
The city building official and code enforcement officer shall have the power to enter, during normal operation hours, upon any private or public property with the purpose of inspection and investigating conditions relating to the enforcement of this article.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
Notice of violation.
Whenever it is determined there are grounds to believe there has been a violation of any provision of this article, or any other city ordinance, the city shall give notice of such alleged violation to the licensee or agent, as hereinafter provided. Such notice shall:
(1) 
Be in writing.
(2) 
Include a statement of the reasons for its issuance.
(3) 
Allow ten (10) business days for compliance. The building official is authorized to grant extensions for work that may require more than ten (10) business days. The extensions shall be in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
(4) 
Be served upon the licensee or his agent; provided that such notice or order shall be deemed to have been properly served upon such licensee or agent when a copy of thereof has been served in person or sent by certified mail to his/her last known address.
(5) 
Citations may be issued after all procedures outlined above have been exhausted.
(6) 
If the city mails a notice to the property owner in accordance with this section and the United States Postal Service returns the notice as “refused” or “unclaimed,” the validity of the notice is not affected, the notice is considered as delivered.
(b) 
Appeals to the city council can be made by any person aggrieved by any decision of the building official. Such appeal shall be filed with the building official within fifteen (15) days after the decision has been rendered by the building official.
(c) 
An appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from unless the building official certifies to the council, after the notice of appeal has been filed with the building official, that, by reasons of facts stated in the certificate, a stay would, in his opinion, cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case, proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order, which may be granted by a court of record on application or notice to the building official from whom the appeal is taken and on whom due cause shown.
(d) 
No appeal to the city council for the same or related variance on the same piece of property shall be allowed prior to the expiration of six (6) months from a previous ruling of the council on any appeal to such body.
(e) 
At a public hearing relative to any appeal, any interested party may appear in person or by agent or by attorney. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant to establish the necessary facts to warrant favorable action of the city council on any appeal. Any special exception or variance granted or authorized by the city council, under the provision of this section, shall authorize the issuance of a building permit or a certificate of occupancy, as the case may be, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of the favorable action of the council, unless said council shall have, in its action approved a longer period of time and has so shown such specific longer period in the minutes of the action. If the building permit and/or certificate of occupancy shall not have been applied for within said ninety (90) day period, or such extended period as the council may have specifically granted, then the special exception or variance shall be deemed to have been waived and all rights hereunder terminated. Such termination and waiver shall be without prejudice to a subsequent appeal, and such subsequent appeal shall be subject to the same regulation and requirement for hearing as herein specified for the original appeal.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
Any non-compliance with this article is hereby deemed a nuisance. The city may abate and remove the nuisance and hold the RV park owner responsible for causing or allowing the nuisance condition to exist. Any person(s) violating this article shall be subject to a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each provision violated, and each day that there is a failure to comply with the terms of any provision of this article is declared to be a separate offense. For violations of the provisions of this article that govern fire safety, zoning or public health and sanitation, including dumping of refuse, the fine may not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per day, per violation. The building official shall be the authority of the jurisdiction responsible for the issuance of citations and any action deemed necessary for the enforcement of this article.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
Plan.
A comprehensive development plan, including all proposed on-site utilities, right-of-way and drainage, RV space(s) layout, building improvements, landscaping, driveway locations and specifications, interior access road locations and materials, fencing, lighting and signage must be prepared and submitted to the city and must address and include all requirements contained herein. The site plan must be approved, in writing, by the appointed city official before development of any RV park or RV site.
(b) 
Survey.
If actual property boundaries are not readily available or visible, the applicant or owner shall obtain a legal survey of the property on which the park or site is to be located.
(c) 
Utilities.
All utilities supplied to RV parks and RV sites shall comply with all applicable plumbing and electrical codes and regulations of the city, being recognized as new construction. Any RV park or RV site that is developed outside the city limits, but utilizes city water or sewer services, shall be regulated by the provisions of this article. Violation of this article is grounds for discontinuance of city water and sewer services.
(1) 
Water supply.
Potable water for each RV park or RV site shall be provided by the city’s water supply system and utilize a master meter, separate from any other water service that supplies any existing residence or business upon or adjoining the owner’s property. Each RV space or RV site shall be provided with a cold-water tap. A double-check backflow preventer and an individual shut-off valve shall be installed just downstream of the city water meter. Each tap shall terminate no less than four inches above ground or grade. In the event that city water services are not available, such water supply shall be governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
(2) 
Sewage disposal.
Each RV park or RV site must discharge into the city’s public sewer system and utilize a minimum of four-inch diameter piping, separate from any other sewer service that supplies any existing residence or business upon or adjoining the owner’s property. Each RV space or RV site shall be afforded an un-tapped sewer service and individual clean-out, a minimum of four inches above ground or grade, with a threaded end cap. In the event that city sewer services are not available, such waste shall be discharged into a private disposal system approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
(3) 
Electric service.
Primary meter loops, which receive electrical service through overhead facilities, shall be permanently installed in an accessible location. Underground, electrical distribution incorporating approved pedestals shall be provided to each RV space or RV site. No generators are allowed to provide electrical power to any RV except in the case of an emergency power outage.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
Each RV park must have a minimum size of one (1) acre, with a maximum of ten (10) acres. The maximum space density for RV parks shall be twenty (20) spaces per acre. Only one (1) recreational vehicle is permitted per recreational vehicle space.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
RV parks shall be located in an area regulated by section 4.06.009 of this article.
(b) 
A solid screening fence at least six (6) feet in height must be placed on all side and rear property lines. Along the front property line and any property line abutting a street, an approved landscaping plan and lighting plan will be required and installed.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
Space requirements.
Setbacks and spacing shall be maintained as follows:
(1) 
An RV space shall be allotted a minimum of eight feet in width and a minimum of 32 feet in length, except as stated herein.
(2) 
A single RV site shall be allotted a minimum of eight feet in width but can be allotted less than 32 feet in length, so long as the minimum setback requirements listed in subsection (a)(4) are met. Also, an RV space shall be longer than 32 feet in length so as to accommodate the RV length and must still utilize the minimum setback requirement listed in subsection (a)(4).
(3) 
Spacing between any portions of each RV space shall be a minimum of 20 feet.
(4) 
Minimum RV space or RV site setbacks:
(A) 
Ten-foot setbacks must be maintained from rear property lines that abut dedicated utility easements (i.e. alley) and side property lines that abut private property.
(B) 
Twenty-foot setbacks must be maintained from front and any side property lines that abut a public street.
(C) 
Twenty-foot setbacks must be maintained from any pre-existing permanent structure designed for human occupancy or on-site service building/structure (i.e. laundry, sanitation facility) within the owner’s property boundaries.
(D) 
Ten-foot setbacks must be maintained from any storage structures not designed for human occupancy, covered patios and/or carports that are pre-existing except that five-foot setbacks must be maintained whereas the aforementioned pre-existing storage structures, patios and/or carports are constructed of metal or other noncombustible materials within the owner’s property boundaries.
(b) 
Each RV park space shall have a permanent space marker or sign clearly identifying the space number. Each space marker or sign shall be easily visible from the adjacent RV park roadway during both daytime and nighttime.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
Exposed ground surfaces in all parts of the RV parks shall be paved, covered with stone, rock or other similar solid material, or protected with vegetative cover that is capable of preventing soil erosion and eliminating dust.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
Each RV space within the RV park and each RV site shall have a minimum of two off-street parking spaces provided.
(b) 
Each RV park shall provide a minimum of one (1) common guest parking space for every four (4) recreational vehicle spaces.
(c) 
Each RV space or RV site shall afford sufficient maneuvering space such that the parking, loading, etc., of RVs shall not necessitate the use of any privately owned property, which may adjoin the park or site. No RV nor any RV accessory vehicle shall be allowed to locate or park upon any city alley, easement or roadway easement, except that a 48-hour transition period for temporary loading and/or unloading on roadway will be allowed.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
The ground surface in all parts of the RV park shall be graded and designed to drain all storm water and surface water in a safe, efficient manner. Clean outs and manholes shall be installed within the private system as to allow the proper service and maintenance of the wastewater system and to prevent damage to the private and city portions of the system.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
Each RV park shall be provided with adequate facilities for the collection and removal of waste and garbage. Storage, collection and handling shall be conducted so as to not create any health hazards, rodent harborage, insect breeding areas or fire hazards. The city staff shall determine the amount of weekly pickups and the appropriate number of refuse containers to be placed within the RV park.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
No person shall construct or permit to be constructed any site-built addition that is attached to an RV. Manufactured components and awnings of canvas or metal, intended for and suitably constructed for that particular RV, may be attached to an RV.
(b) 
No temporary nor permanent facility or appurtenance intended for occupant storage or human occupancy shall be erected or constructed within an RV park or upon an RV site, except that a licensee may construct, according to the applicable codes and regulation of the city, a permitted, on-site service building/structure (i.e. laundry, sanitation facility) that meets the setbacks outlined in this article. Any such pre-existing building/structure is to be included in the original site plan, or to be inserted into a revised, redrawn site plan if approved and then constructed at a later date.
(c) 
There shall be no storage under any RV.
(d) 
No owner or person in charge of any dog, cat or other pet animal shall permit such animal to run at large or commit any nuisance within the limits of the RV park or RV site.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
Registration of guest.
Each person occupying a space within a RV park shall provide the following information to the owner, manager, operator or person in charge of the RV park:
(1) 
Name;
(2) 
Full address of permanent residence;
(3) 
Automobile and recreational vehicle license plate number and the state in which each is registered;
(4) 
Photocopy of driver’s license of the primary tenant;
(5) 
The number or letter of the designated space being rented; and
(6) 
Date of arrival and departure;
(b) 
It shall be the duty of the licensee of any RV park or RV site to keep a register containing the information required by subsection (a). The register shall be available for inspection at all times by law enforcement officers, public health officials and other officials whose duties necessitate acquisition of information contained in the register. The register record for each occupant shall not be destroyed for a period of one year following the departure of the occupant.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
Grounds, buildings and structures in the RV park shall be maintained free of the accumulation of high grass, weeds and debris so as to prevent rodent, snake harborage or the breeding of flies, mosquitoes or other pests.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)
(a) 
Unless as otherwise provided herein, this article shall not be applicable to any existing nonconforming RV parks in existence on the effective date of adoption of this article until such time as provided herein. Further, if a RV park is under actual construction and same has been lawfully permitted and diligently begun prior to the effective date of the adoption of this article, then this article shall not apply until such time as provided herein. Actual construction shall be defined as including the approval of the RV park development plan by the city and commencement of construction of permanent utility services. Final determination of actual construction shall be determined by the building official or his designee.
(b) 
Any RV park or RV site that is fully in operation prior to the effective date of this article will be recorded and registered with the city as such and may continue to operate as a nonconforming RV park or RV site by application of and payment for a license renewal prior to December 31. A site plan must be provided to and accepted by the appointed city official prior to license renewal.
(c) 
Upon a change of ownership of an existing non-conforming RV park, as referenced above, the new owner shall be required to comply with all regulations of this article. The new owner shall be issued a temporary license and given sixty (60) days to bring the existing RV park into compliance with the requirements of this article. The building official is authorized to grant extensions for work that may require more than sixty (60) days. The extension shall be in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Change of ownership shall include a change from ownership of any person, firm or entity to any other person, firm or entity. Change of ownership shall not include an assignment to an entity formed and majority owned by the original existing non-conforming owner.
(d) 
Upon any expansion, alteration or extension of any registered nonconforming RV park or RV site, the owner shall be required to comply with all regulations of this article. The new owner shall be issued a temporary license and given sixty (60) days to bring the existing RV park into compliance with the requirements of this article. The building official is authorized to grant extensions for work that may require more than sixty (60) days. The extension shall be in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
(Ordinance 20-08 adopted 7/30/20)