ITEM TITLE:
#25-08 - Repealing Chapter 10.20 of the Valdez Municipal Code Titled Recreational Vehicle Parks and Tent Campgrounds and Enacting Chapter 12.14 of the Valdez Municipal Code Entitled Recreational Vehicles and Tent Camping. First Reading. Public Hearing.
SUBMITTED BY: Sheri Pierce, City Clerk, MMC/ Jake Staser, City Attorney
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: n/a
Unencumbered Balance: n/a
Funding Source: n/a
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Ordinance 25-08 in first reading for public hearing.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Ordinance 25-08 repeals Chapter 10.20 and enacts Chapter 12.14 of the Valdez Municipal Code related to recreational vehicles and tent camping. This ordinance was drafted following the indefinite postponement of Ordinance 25-04. Based on robust public feedback received on the previous ordinance, City Council indicated a desire that the city not compete with private enterprise, ensure flexibility in use of private land, and allow reasonable opportunities for tent camping.
Ordinance 25-08 seeks to remedy inconsistencies in existing code but also eliminates reference to a city issued permit.
Council held a work session on June 17, 2025, to review this chapter of code in more detail and provide staff with feedback on desired updates. Staff highlighted the minimum necessary requirements to align this section of code adopted provisions in Title 17 and address inconsistencies with other sections of code.
Staff also noted that this chapter would be a better fit under Title 12 related to Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places, rather than Title 10 of the Valdez Municipal Code on Vehicles and Traffic.
As drafted, Ordinance 25-08 does not change various numbers included in existing code, except in the case of removing the number limit for tent camping on private property.
The ordinance and a detailed summary of changes are attached for review.