[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors
of the County of Page 5-11-1999; amended in its entirety 11-20-2023. Subsequent amendments noted where
applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter shall be to provide rules, regulations
and standards for development of campgrounds in the County of Page,
ensuring that the public health, safety and general welfare are protected;
that orderly growth and development together with the conservation,
protection and proper use of land and the Shenandoah River, and the
rural character of the County shall be ensured; that proper provisions
for all public facilities shall be made; and that Page County government
is given appropriate control over the zoning and location of campgrounds
in Page County.
All of the provisions and requirements of the laws of the State
of Virginia contained in Title 35.1 pertaining to campgrounds and
all of the provisions of Virginia's Department of Health Rules
and Regulations Governing Campgrounds, known as 12 VAC 5-450-10 through
12 VAC 5-450-230, as amended, except those provisions and requirements
which, by their very nature, can have no application to or within
the County of Page, are hereby adopted and incorporated in this chapter
by reference and made applicable within the County. Such provisions
and requirements are hereby adopted mutatis mutandis, and made a part
of this chapter as fully as if set forth at length herein, and it
shall be unlawful for any person within the County to violate or fail,
neglect or refuse to comply with any provision of Title 35.1 of the
Code of Virginia, as amended, and the provisions of Virginia's
Department of Health Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds,
known as 12 VAC 5-450-10 through 12 VAC 5-450-230, as amended, which
are adopted by this section, provided that in no event shall the penalty
imposed for the violation of any provision or requirement hereby adopted
exceed the penalty imposed for a similar offense under the Code of
Virginia. This incorporation is for the purpose of ensuring uniformity
between the Code of the County of Page and state laws.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise
or it is otherwise provided, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
Offices, recreational facilities, convenience stores, gift
shops, service buildings, restrooms, dumping stations, showers, laundry
facilities, storage units and other uses and structures customarily
a part of the campground operation for the use of occupants.
The organization, office or individual responsible for approving
equipment, equipment installation, a permit or a procedure.
Guests of the campground participating in overnight camping.
Includes, but is not limited to, a travel trailer camp, recreation
camp, family campground, camping resort, camping community, or any
other area, place, parcel, or tract of land, by whatever name called,
on which three or more campsites are occupied or intended for occupancy,
or facilities are established or maintained, wholly or in part, for
the accommodation of camping units for periods of overnight or longer,
whether the use of the campsites and facilities is granted gratuitously,
or by rental fee, lease, or conditional sale, or by covenants, restrictions,
and easements. "Campground" does not include a summer camp, migrant
labor camp, or park for manufactured homes as defined in § 32.1-203
and § 36-85.3 of the Virginia Code, as amended, or a construction
camp, storage area for unoccupied camping units, or property upon
which the individual owner may choose to camp and not be prohibited
or encumbered by covenants, restrictions, and conditions from providing
his sanitary facilities within his property lines.
PRIMITIVE SITEA campsite that is characterized by the absence of toilets, showers, lavatories, electrical connections, or any combination thereof.
DEVELOPED SITEA site accessible by vehicular traffic where campsites are developed with one, or more, utility, e.g., sewer, water and/or electricity.
A tent, tent trailers, travel trailers, camping trailers,
pickup campers, motor homes, yurts, cabins, or any other device or
vehicular-type structure as may be developed marketed and used by
the camping trade for use as temporary living quarters or shelter
during periods of recreation, vacation, leisure time, or travel. A
camping unit shall be limited to 400 square feet or less in area.
A camping unit shall consist of a single-story structure, with an
additional sleeping loft allowable not to exceed 25% of foundation
footprint.
Any plot of ground within a campground used or intended for
the occupation by a camping unit or units.
The number of campsites per acre of land.
The area or areas within the campground that may include
campsites, structures, impervious surfaces, roads, developed recreational
facilities, or are used by motorized vehicles.
An outdoor light fixture shielded in such a manner that all
light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or indirectly
from the fixture, is projected down below the fixture.
A buffer zone consisting of a strip of land, containing landscaping
or other aesthetic site-obscuring features, intended to buffer potentially
incompatible uses. Greenbelts may include utilities and other underground
facilities as well as a designated roadway for purposes of ingress
and egress. No camping units, buildings, trails, walking paths, or
recreation areas shall be permitted in the Greenbelt.
The area or areas within the campground that do not include
campsites, structures, impervious surfaces, roads, developed recreational
facilities, or are used by motorized vehicles. Areas between campsites
or within campsite clusters are not to be considered open area.
The owner of the campground or any person employed or contracted
by a campground owner who is responsible for the management and general
administrative operation of the campground.
Person or entity holding title to the parcel on which the
campground is located.
A specific undeveloped open area of the campground, either
of land or an area of water or a combination of land and water, which
is designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of campers.
A recreational space for the use or enjoyment of campers
developed with permanent structures or impervious surfaces.
Compensation or other consideration given for a prescribed
right, use, possession or occupancy of a campsite.
A structure or portion thereof that is used to house sanitary
facilities, such as toilets, showers, or lavatories. It may include
other facilities for the convenience of the campground guests.
A portable shelter, consisting of synthetic fabrics or natural
skins stretched over a flexed or rigid framework.
The presence of overnight guest(s) for any period of less
than 30 consecutive days in a camping unit for a site, whether the
use of the campsites and facilities is granted gratuitously, or by
rental fee.
A round, domed, temporary or permanent, typically a one-room
shelter or structure.
A.
Enforcement. The Page County Zoning Administrator is the officer
having enforcement authority.
B.
Zoning. Campgrounds may be allowed in the Woodland-Conservation (W-C)
and the Agricultural (A-1) Zoning Districts by special use permit
only. Campgrounds are prohibited in all other zoning districts.
C.
Application requirements. The application shall contain:
(1)
The name and address of the person applying to be the permit holder,
and a designation of whether that person is the owner or the intended
operator of the campground. Proof of land ownership and/or lease is
required.
(2)
A narrative, at a minimum, identifying the applicant and/or operator,
owner of the proposed project, a history of the owner(s) and/or applicant(s)
and or operator(s) campground experience, including, but not limited
to, a list of all campgrounds currently owned or being operated as
well as those previously owned or operated, any legal challenges,
claims, or regulatory violations in which the owner(s) and/or applicant(s)
and/or operator(s) were named or identified, and the name of any proposed
entity under which they intend to operate, if different.
(3)
A property management plan demonstrating how the proposed campground
will be managed and how the impact on neighboring properties will
be minimized. A copy of proposed campground rules shall be included.
A copy of the proposed evacuation plan shall be included.
(4)
A site plan, at a minimum scale of one inch to 50 feet, for the proposed
campground which shall include:
(a)
The proposed location, boundaries, and dimension of the project.
(b)
The proposed number, location, and dimensions of all campsites.
Site plan must also show proposed setbacks from all campsites to property
lines.
(c)
The proposed types and locations of all camping units. Site
plan must also show proposed setbacks from camping units to property
lines.
(d)
The proposed sources and location of the water supply.
(e)
The proposed method and location of sewage disposal system.
(f)
The proposed number, description, and location of proposed sanitary
facilities and dump stations, sewer lines, etc.
(g)
The proposed location of waste containers and method of trash
disposal.
(h)
The proposed description and location of all interior roads
to include width and surface type.
(i)
The proposed number, description, and location of proposed motor
vehicle parking spaces and/or parking areas.
(j)
The proposed description and location of all buildings and/or
structures, including, but not limited to, offices, recreational facilities,
convenience stores, gift shops, service buildings, maintenance buildings,
storage buildings, etc., and open area and/or recreational areas.
Must also include location of any existing buildings or structures.
(5)
A landscaping plan which shall include:
(a)
A map which shows the proposed location of all campground facilities
and amenities, surface water features, the greenbelt and all landscaped
areas, including the location and description of types of vegetation,
spacing of vegetation, landscaping of the campground and proposed
and/or existing fencing. The use of recent aerial imagery in the map
is encouraged.
(b)
A description of existing vegetation.
(c)
A description of existing and proposed shade cover.
(d)
A description of the dimensions of all landscaped areas and
proposed tree, shrub and groundcover species.
(6)
Such other pertinent information as the Page County Zoning Administrator
may deem necessary.
D.
Permit approval. Before any permit is issued for construction of,
alterations to, or additions to any campground, the plans and specifications
shall first be approved by the County Planning/Building/Zoning Office(s),
the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the office of Emergency
Services, and the Page County Health Department, taking into account
all of the provisions as set out herein, as well as such special conditions
as may be imposed by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors,
and provided further that said plans and specifications are in accordance
with state regulations governing campgrounds, including, but not limited
to, Title 35.1 of the Virginia Code, as amended, and the Virginia
Department of Health's Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds,
12 VAC 5-450-10 through 12 VAC 5-450-230, as amended from time to
time.
A.
Permitted camping units. Only camping units as defined above shall
be allowed.
B.
Transient occupancy. Only transient occupancy, as defined herein,
for campers is permitted. Occupancy exceeding 30 days is prohibited.
No camping unit shall be used as a permanent place of abode, dwelling
or business.
C.
Site requirement/density.
(1)
No campground shall be less than 10 contiguous acres.
(2)
The average number of campsites per developed acre shall not exceed
15.
(3)
Each campsite (including parking space) shall be a minimum of 1,800
square feet of space and shall not be less than 30 feet wide at its
narrowest point.
(4)
A minimum of 25% to 40% of the entire campground, in accordance with
table below, shall be open area and/or recreation area, of which no
more than 50% can be a body of water.
|
Campground Size
(acres)
|
Minimum Percent Open/Recreation Area
|
|---|---|
|
10 to 14.99
|
25%
|
|
15 to 19.99
|
30%
|
|
20 to 39.99
|
35%
|
|
40 or more
|
40%
|
(5)
Exposed ground surfaces in all parts of a campground shall be paved
or covered with crushed stone or gravel or protected with a vegetative
growth or other natural growth that is capable of preventing soil
erosion and eliminating objectionable dust.
(6)
Each campsite shall be identified by number and section. Camping
units within a campground shall be required to be located within the
designated campsites.
D.
Recreational facilities. Recreational facilities such as miniature
golf, in-ground pools, picnic grounds and/or picnic shelters/pavilions,
dog parks, playgrounds, jumping pillows, climbing walls, horseshoe
pits, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball courts, and fishing
ponds are considered accessory uses in a campground. Campgrounds shall
be limited to three in-ground pools with a total aggregate water surface
area of 7,000 square feet. Other recreational facilities proposed
beyond those listed shall be considered in accordance with applicable
zoning ordinance requirements.[1] Access to recreational facilities by the general public,
excluding campers and guests as approved by the conditions of the
SUP, is prohibited.
E.
Landscaping. The preservation of existing healthy regionally native
species should be prioritized. Use of regionally native trees, shrubs
and ground covers is strongly encouraged. Landscaped areas in proximity
of ponds, streams or the Shenandoah River should receive particular
consideration to protect water quality and wildlife habitat.
F.
Lighting. Any lighting that is provided on the campground shall be
full cut off light fixtures directed downwards, so as to minimize
glare onto adjoining properties, the night sky, or public roads. Exceptions
to this requirement are lighting for an internal road that is used
principally for illuminating a roadway, lighting exempted by state
or federal law, lighting that is required under the Uniform Statewide
Building Code, temporary lighting for festivals, provided such lighting
is discontinued upon completion of the performance, and security lighting
that is directed downward, does not glare onto adjacent property,
and is controlled or activated by motion sensor devises for a duration
of 15 minutes or less.
G.
Fires. Any outdoor fires on the campground shall be enclosed by a
fire ring. Only one fire ring per campsite shall be permitted. All
fire rings shall be enclosed by a durable, nonflammable material at
least eight inches in height. The campground operator shall provide
or sell firewood for the use of campers. Firewood must be kiln-dried
or otherwise originate from Page County. All firewood must remain
in the campground.
H.
Perimeter fencing. Perimeter fencing is desired. Where perimeter
fencing is not provided, a sign shall be posted every 25 feet which
states: "NO CAMPERS BEYOND THIS POINT" in a minimum size of two-inch
letters. The signs shall be posted on the property line of the campground.
I.
Waste and trash disposal. A proper method of waste and trash disposal
is required. The location of waste and trash containers within the
campground shall be made available for guests and visitors, shall
clearly be identified onsite and orderly maintained, and be constructed
in a manner that is animal proof. It shall be the responsibility of
the campground owner/operator to dispose of all waste and trash off-site
at a sanitary landfill permitted by the Department of Environmental
Quality. If the owner/operator utilizes a contracted service for disposal,
they shall inform the County and provide a copy of such contract to
the Zoning Administrator. Recycling is encouraged.
J.
Setbacks and greenbelt. The minimum setback from property lines shall
be 50 feet. To ensure sufficient screening, an equivalent greenbelt
area shall be included within the setback and shall be landscaped
with regionally native and noninvasive plant materials consisting
of an evergreen and deciduous mix (as approved by Page County), except
to the extent that existing vegetation or natural landforms on the
site provide such screening as determined by Page County. Trees shall
be a minimum of six feet in height at time of planting and in staggered
rows of 10 feet on center. In the event existing vegetation or landforms
providing the screening are disturbed, new plantings shall be provided
which accomplish the same. The effectiveness of screening shall be
maintained as the plant materials mature. Unhealthy and dead plants
shall be replaced within six months. Installation of appropriate native
trees and shrubs is recommended in the green belt in accordance with
the Virginia Department of Forestry guidelines for the agricultural
cost-share Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Campgrounds located
on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and its tributaries will
receive additional consideration for protecting water quality. A greenbelt
may not be required along campground boundaries that are contiguous
with Shenandoah National Park or George Washington National Forest.
K.
On-site operator. An on-site operator, contracted service, or employee
must be provided for campgrounds with five or more campsites. For
four or fewer campsites without an on-site operator, contracted service,
or employee, a point of contact for the campground shall be designated
and emergency contact information provided and posted conspicuously
at the campground.
L.
Fireworks. Fireworks shall be prohibited within the boundaries of
the campground.
M.
Drones. The use of drones by campers is prohibited.
N.
Golf carts. The use of electric golf carts is permitted.
O.
Special use permit requirements. In addition to requirements listed above and in § 128-4C, the special use permit shall also consider the following on a site-by-site basis:
(1)
Maximum number of campsites by type (primitive/developed), campers,
and approved guests allowed.
(2)
Accessibility of emergency services.
(3)
Quiet hours.
(4)
Use of portable generators.
(5)
Landscaping. Use of native trees and shrubs are preferred, as well
as protection of existing native vegetation. Use of landscaped berms
in the greenbelt shall be considered.
(6)
Use of off-road vehicles and gas-powered golf carts.
(7)
Additional fencing and buffer requirements adjacent to roads, existing
dwellings and areas of potential growth.
(8)
Impact of traffic on neighborhood and nearby residences, and mitigation
thereof.
(9)
Aesthetic standards to ensure the preservation of the rural character
of the surrounding area.
(10)
Location and dimensions of recreational facilities.
A.
Requirements. All health and sanitation requirements shall be in
accordance with the Virginia Department of Health Rules and Regulations
Governing Campgrounds (12 VAC 5-450 et al).
B.
Service building. Campgrounds must have a service building constructed
meeting the requirements of the Virginia Department of Health Rules
and Regulations Governing Campgrounds (12 VAC 5-450 et al.). All service
buildings shall also conform to the Uniform Statewide Building Code.
A.
Location and access.
(1)
Direct access to public street. Except as stated below, no campground
shall permitted without direct access to a public street maintained
by VDOT with appropriate frontage thereon to permit appropriate design
of entrances and exits. No entrance or exit from a campground shall
be permitted through a residential zone.
(2)
Private road. If the proposed campground parcel does not adjoin a
public street, a fifty-foot deeded right-of-way, with appropriate
frontage at the public street to permit appropriate design of entrances
and exits, must be obtained to provide access to the parcel. Road
condition, maintenance responsibilities, and the rights of the servient
tenants shall be considered in the special use permit.
B.
Entrances and exits. Entrances and exits to campgrounds shall be
designed for safe and convenient movement of traffic into and out
of the campground and shall be designed to minimize marginal friction
with free movement of traffic on adjacent streets. All traffic into
or out of the campground shall be through such entrances and exits.
Entrances shall be constructed utilizing appropriate radii and grades
to accommodate movement of all vehicles using/entering the campground.
All entrances and exits onto public roads shall meet VDOT requirements.
C.
Road requirements. Interior roads and access to individual sites
shall consist at a minimum of an all-weather gravel surface. All interior
roads shall be a minimum width of 18 feet for one-way traffic and
24 feet for two-way traffic. Dead-end access roads, if necessary,
shall be limited to 150 feet in length, shall be provided with a cul-de-sac
60 feet in radius at the outside of the curb. No roads within a campground
shall have any grade exceeding 12%. No campsite shall have direct
access to a public street.
D.
Parking requirements. Each campsite shall include a minimum of two
parking spaces. Additional parking spaces are required for any accessory
uses and heavy traffic. No parking is allowed outside of designated
parking spaces.
E.
Speed limit. General speed limit in a campground shall be posted
and shall not exceed 15 miles per hour.
