ITEM TITLE:
Recreational Vehicle and Tent Camping Work Session
SUBMITTED BY: Bart Hinkle, Chief of Police & Assistant City Manager
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: n/a
Unencumbered Balance: n/a
Funding Source: n/a
RECOMMENDATION:
n/a - Staff Presentation and Discussion Only
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Recreational Vehicle and Tent Camping is addressed in Title 10 of the Valdez Municipal Code. Chapter 10.20 has not been amended since 1996. The existing VMC 10.20.030 calls for a permit for RV Parking in designated areas of the city by permit from the City Manager’s office.
Although RV camping has become more and more popular in recent years, the permit program was not implemented until last summer. Due to concerns about RVs parked in areas that are not appropriate within the City, the Chief of Police/Assistant City Manager formed a committee of department heads to explore solutions to the issue. During the summer of 2024, under the recommendation of the group, City Administration began issuing permits for a handful of designated areas as a temporary solution.
The group, which also includes the Capital Facilities Director, Community Development Director, Parks & Rec Director, Public Works Director, City Clerk, City Attorney, and Lt. Kalin King has developed a proposed draft ordinance for discussion and will present on a permit program that would pair with the ordinance, if adopted. The draft ordinance brings alignment with the recently adopted Title 17, which now includes more detailed standards for RV Parks & Campgrounds.
The staff presentation will include details regarding alignment with Title 17, proposed designated parking areas, signage, application and approval process, safety and enforcement, and options for council members to provide direction and input.