An existing ordinance regarding “vacation travel trailer parks” is on its way to being revised as Brownwood City Council voted unanimously on first reading to make amendments to the ordinance regarding regulating RV Parks.
The ordinance became an issue as local RV parks have filled up with not only vacationers but also temporary residents brought to the area by jobs such as those related to construction of the BridgeTex Pipeline and temporary medical positions.Developer Ross Setzler is purchasing the “Banks of the Bayou” Subdivision to develop a new RV park, an approximately 3 acre property just on the edge of Riverside Park, which many (including Mayor Stephen Haynes) consider to be the most beautiful parks in Brownwood.
In order to set up the infrastructure of this RV Park, Setzler needed to have the property rezoned from R1B Patio Home Residential District to C1 Local Business District, which the council approved in another unanimous vote Tuesday.
According to Mayor Haynes, the city’s planning and zoning commission met regarding the ordinance changes. After two hours of discussion at their last meeting, the planning and zoning commission came up with the following amendments to the code of ordinances regarding RV parks, which as approved on first reading, include: a minimum park size of 2 acres; minimum size of each space within the park; minimum space between RVs; the use of each space restricted against residential use; maximum length of stay in park of 180 days with a 30 day wait before being able to stay in the park again; construction material requirements for roads and pad sites within the park; parking requirements; landscaping requirements; utility requirements regarding drainage; sewerage; water refuse and electricity; fire protection requirements; park supervision requirements and inspections. The ordinance for these amendments will be addressed in second, third and final readings at the council’s next meeting on March 10, 2014.
Mayor Haynes requested the time allowed for staying at any RV Park to be changed to 90 days to keep these parks from becoming residential rather than for tourists. Existing RV parks will be grandfathered.
“We have to be cautious and careful to protect our city parks. We love to have that business for the city, but it creates the probability of transient workers,” said Haynes “I have grave concerns about it becoming a mobile home park rather than an RV park for temporary use.”
Mayor Haynes also stated that he had no concerns about the park while Setzler owns it; however, it could be sold and future owners may not uphold the higher restrictions within the RV park.
Setzler addressed the council in defense of this proposed RV park, which he stated will be restricted and upscale. He explained that his concerns are for the workers who are here for 6 months or more, only needing temporary housing.
“I hate to make someone who’s here working pick up and leave. We need more RV spaces in Brownwood, we don’t have enough nice RV parks in Brownwood,” said Setzler. “Brownwood is a great place to visit and we need to have more places for them to stay. As a businessman, I want a clean and sightly park so that I can charge what I need to charge and keep this park full.”
This ordinance will be addressed again at the next city council meeting on March 10th, with second, third and final readings. Those interested in the changes to the ordinance or protecting Riverside Park should contact their representative on the city council to express their concerns.
Pictured above: Ross Setzler addresses the council regarding developing an RV park near Riverside Park at a November 2013 city council meeting.
