The purpose of this chapter is to provide design standards that ensure recreational vehicle parks are located, developed and occupied in a manner that will protect the health, safety, general welfare and convenience of the occupants and the citizens of the city of Longview.
(Ord. 3395 § 5, 2019)
The minimum design standards for recreational vehicle parks shall be as follows:
(1) 
Size. The minimum area for a recreational vehicle park shall be one acre.
(2) 
Recreational Vehicle Site Size. Each individual recreational vehicle site shall be not less than 750 square feet in size.
(3) 
Parking. At least one parking space shall be provided at each recreational vehicle site. At least one additional parking space for each 20 recreational vehicle sites shall be provided for visitor parking in the park.
(4) 
Occupancy. No one unit shall occupy a site for more than 30 consecutive days per year. This standard shall not permit a unit to be moved off site for one day or so and moved back in thereafter. No space within a recreational vehicle park shall be occupied for any purpose other than those expressly allowed in the approved site plan.
(5) 
Caretaker's Residence. One caretaker's residence and/or office facility for the owner or operator of the recreational vehicle park may be allowed. Except for the park owner's or caretaker's residence, no manufactured home or mobile home shall be occupied, stored, or parked in a recreational vehicle park or campground. No manufactured home or mobile home unit shall be used for commercial, assembly, or accessory use within a recreational vehicle park.
(6) 
Internal Park Roads. All internal park roads shall be privately owned and maintained. All park roads shall be constructed to LMC § 18.10.100 for emergency vehicle access. All roads shall be paved with asphalt or concrete unless otherwise specifically approved. All roads, access driveways, unit sites, and vehicle parking spaces shall be surfaced to provide drainage and to avoid dust.
(7) 
Open Space/Recreational Facilities. A minimum of 20 percent of the site shall be set aside and maintained as open space for the recreational use of park occupants. Such space and location shall be accessible and usable by all residents of the park for passive or active recreation. Parking spaces, driveways, access streets, and storage areas are not considered to be usable open space. The percentage requirement may be reduced if substantial and appropriate recreational facilities (such as recreational buildings, swimming pools or tennis courts) are provided.
(8) 
Attachments – Outdoor Storage. No decks, porches, outdoor storage, or other exterior additions shall be attached to a recreational vehicle or constructed or erected on an RV space; provided, however, that an awning designed as part of and permanently attached to a recreational vehicle shall be allowed. Wheels and tires shall not be removed from any recreational vehicle, nor shall skirting be allowed. Nothing in this subsection shall conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, where applicable, for access to an individual recreational vehicle.
(9) 
Fences and Walls. No fence or wall shall be erected between unit spaces, except a retaining wall or a guardrail may be installed for safety purposes.
(10) 
Lighting. All security or safety lighting shall be designed, hooded, and placed in a manner that does not cause direct light or glare to trespass onto any property located outside the boundaries of the recreational vehicle park, or interfere with the motoring public on adjacent roads.
(11) 
Utilities. Electricity and water service shall be provided to each recreational vehicle site. All utility lines in the park shall be underground. In all cases, RV parks shall be required to be served by public sewer and water systems.
(12) 
Setbacks. All unit sites shall be located at least 25 feet from any park boundary line abutting upon a public street. All unit sites shall be located at least five feet from any park boundary that does not abut a public street. Where there is a conflict between the setback standards of the specific zoning district and setback standards contained herein, the greater setback distance shall apply.
(Ord. 3395 § 5, 2019)
Cowlitz County has health regulations that apply to recreational vehicle parks whether the park is in an unincorporated or an incorporated area (Cowlitz County Code Chapter 18.56, Campground and Recreation Facilities). They are Section 18.56.090, Health standards applicable county-wide, and Section 18.56.140, Annual operating permit required –Inspections and records.
Where there is a conflict between the county health regulations and regulations contained in this chapter, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
(Ord. 3395 § 5, 2019)