For the purposes of this chapter the following terms are defined:
"Binding site plan"means a drawing prepared to a scale, approved and recorded in conformance with this chapter, that identifies and shows: (1) the proposed division of land for the purpose of leasing spaces for use of areas or spaces in campgrounds; (2) the areas and locations of all roads, streets, improvements, utilities, open spaces and other matters required by this chapter; (3) inscriptions or attachments setting forth the limitations and conditions for use of the land; and (4) provisions that subsequent site development conforms with the recorded binding site plan (RCW
58.17.020(7)).
"Cabin"means a structure that does not exceed 400 square feet, designed for temporary guest use within a commercial campground. Cabins may be constructed as follows:
1. "Camping cabin"means a hard-walled, permanent structure that includes a sleeping area.
2. "Tent cabin"means a semi-permanent structure with fabric walls and conventional or nonconventional construction that includes a sleeping area.
"Campground"means any parcel or tract of real property that is designed for camping, recreational vehicle camping, or outdoor recreation and containing three or more camping spaces offered for the use of the public or members of a private or religious organization. Campgrounds may also possess any combination of primitive, semi-primitive, or developed camping spaces. Campgrounds possess camping spaces and may include camping units, as defined herein.
"Camping space"means a specific area designed for camping, and for placing a camping unit, of sufficient size to accommodate the camping unit(s) for which it is designed. Individual camping spaces may be considered "developed," "semi-developed," or "primitive," depending on site improvements and availability of utilities and facilities at each camping space.
"Camping unit"means a portable structure, shelter, or vehicle designed and intended for occupancy by persons engaged in camping. This term is intended to be generic to include, but not be limited to, recreational vehicles, tents, tent cabins, park model trailers as defined under RCW
46.04.622 and WAC
296-150P-0020, and camping cabins.
"Commercial coach"means a structure transportable in one or more sections that is built on a permanent chassis, certified by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, designed to provide commercial quarters which may be connected to utilities necessary for operation of installed fixtures and appliances.
"Commercial forest"means a tract of land five acres or larger classified as "designated forest land" pursuant to Chapter
84.33 RCW, as it now exists or is hereafter amended.
"Construction campground"means a campground utilized for only a temporary basis during construction activity and where all camping spaces and any camping units are to be removed within 15 days after completion of the construction project. Construction campgrounds provide temporary camping spaces for occupancy by persons employed for the specific construction project for the duration of a valid building permit issued by the Department for the subject property.
"Day use area"means a recreational facility established or maintained for picnicking and other daytime uses, where no overnight or extended parking or camping is permitted on the premises.
"Deck"means a structure, typically made of wood, with or without a roof, supported by posts or columns that may stand independently or be partially supported by a camping unit.
"Department"means the Cowlitz County Department of Building and Planning, or as may be renamed or reorganized.
"Director"means the Director of the Department of Building and Planning, or designee.
"Group camping"means an area or combination of spaces within a campground regulated under this chapter, with sufficient Health Official approved utilities to serve the designated number of users. Group camping spaces shall center around a common area or feature, and be labeled on the site plan.
"Health Official"means the health officer of the county or a representative authorized by and under the direct supervision of the local health officer, as defined in Chapter
70.05 RCW.
"Landscaping plan"means a plan produced by an individual, or by a qualified professional such as a landscape architect, habitat biologist, or certified arborist if determined necessary by the Director, that details the landscaping proposed within and along the perimeter of the campground.
"Lease"means an oral or written contract for the use, possession, or occupancy of property. The term includes "rent."
"Lodging facilities"means permanent individual units for guests. Examples may include hotels, motels, lodges, or shared cabins.
"Lot"means any lawfully created parcel, tract, division or subdivision as determined in CCC §
18.02.040.
"Manufactured home" or "mobile home"means a structure designed and constructed to be transportable in one or more sections and built on a permanent chassis, and designed to be used as a residential dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities that include plumbing, heating, and electrical systems contained therein. The structure must comply with the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 as adopted by Chapter
43.22 RCW, if applicable (RCW
46.04.302).
"Outdoor communal areas"means areas within a campground where people are likely to congregate. These areas include, but are not limited to, stores, clubhouses, outdoor restaurants, pools, communal fire pit facilities.
"Pad"means the area within a camping space where a camping unit is parked or placed.
"Person"means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or agency of state, county or municipal government.
"Recreational vehicle" or "RV"means a vehicular unit primarily designed for recreational camping, travel or seasonal use as defined in RCW
43.22.335(7). Recreational vehicles are of two types:
1. "Dependent unit"means a recreational vehicle that has no sewage disposal holding capacity and/or devices for connecting sewage disposal facilities to a community waste disposal system. Occupants of such units are dependent upon external water and waste disposal systems that cannot be connected to the unit.
2. "Independent unit"means a recreational vehicle containing holding capacity for potable water, gray water and human wastes, and/or has devices for connecting to sanitary sewers or on-site waste disposal systems, or pumping stations for waste disposal. Occupants of such units may be independent of external water and waste disposal systems for a limited period because such systems are constructed in the units. However, on-board water systems must be replenished, and on-board gray water and human waste receptacles must be emptied in proper facilities from time to time.
"Recreational vehicle storage area"means an area of land, operated by a business that leases or rents secured storage spaces, used substantially for the purpose of storing two or more unoccupied recreational vehicles.
"Screening"means vegetation, a fence, or earthen berm, or combination thereof, that provides a visual and noise barrier between sites or a campground perimeter.
"Tent"means a transportable temporary shelter, consisting of fabrics or skins stretched over a flexed or rigid framework, that is set up and used on a camping space.
(Ord. 23-055 § 1, 7-11-2023)