Bowling Green City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Permits
Section 405.630 Temporary Use Permits.
[R.O. 2010 § 405.630; Ord. No. 1603 §§ I — II, 7-21-2008]
A.
Permits may be issued to allow manufactured home parks (MHPs) to permit recreational vehicles (RVs) to be placed therein.
B.
No permit may be issued under this Section unless the MHP is in good standing with City Code and regulations.
C.
Permits shall be issued by the City Building Inspector with the concurrence of the City Public Works Manager pursuant to the following criteria:
1.
Utility hookups, being electric, water and sewer must be in place and functional prior to the granting of a permit herein.
2.
The number of RVs to be allowed to each set of utility hookups shall be determined by the Building Inspector with the concurrence of the Public Works Manager and shall be considered prior to the issuance of a permit for an RV at that location.
3.
The owner of the MHP shall be responsible for the payment of the permit fee and for payment of utilities utilized by the RV.
4.
The permit must be conspicuously displayed on the unit.
5.
Permits may be revoked at any time for non-compliance with this Section or with violations of provisions of the City Code.
6.
Permits shall be permitted under Section 107 of the 2015 International Building Code, as amended, and use shall comply therewith.
D.
Permits shall be granted for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days. Permits may be renewed for one (1) additional 180-day period.
E.
Permits will be issued, and re-issued, upon compliance with this Section and the payment of a permit fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
F.
Residing in an RV properly permitted under this Section shall not be considered a violation of any other provision of the City Code.
Section 405.640 Temporary Use Of Campers Within City Limits And Prohibiting Use As Permanent Dwelling.
[Ord. No. 2046, 10-20-2025]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to regulate the temporary use of campers, recreational vehicles (RVs), and similar vehicles within the City of Bowling Green to ensure public safety, health, and welfare, and to preserve the character of residential and commercial areas.
B.
Definitions. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:
CAMPER
Includes any recreational vehicle (RV), motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, camper van, or similar mobile unit designed for temporary human occupancy.
LIVING or HABITATION
Use of a camper as a primary or permanent residence, including but not limited to sleeping, cooking, bathing, and receiving mail on a continual or semi-permanent basis.
TEMPORARY USE
A period not exceeding seven (7) consecutive days.
C.
Permitted Temporary Use.
1.
Campers may be temporarily parked and used on private residential property with the property owner's consent; provided, the use does not exceed seven (7) consecutive days.
2.
Campers may be used for temporary shelter during construction or property renovation with a valid building permit, for the duration of the project or up to ninety (90) days, whichever is shorter.
3.
Campers may be used during special events (e.g., family gatherings, City-approved festivals) not exceeding seven (7) consecutive days, with prior notice given to the City Planning Department.
4.
A permit may be obtained for temporary use in a manufactured home park (see Section 405.630, Temporary Use Permits).
D.
Prohibited Uses.
1.
It shall be unlawful to use a camper as a primary or permanent residence within City limits.
2.
Campers shall not be connected to permanent utilities (water, sewer, electric) except for temporary connections authorized under Subsection (C) above.
3.
Campers shall not be placed on public rights-of-way, sidewalks, or vacant lots unless expressly permitted by City Code or a temporary use permit.
E.
Permit Requirements.
1.
A temporary camper use permit shall be required for any use exceeding seven (7) consecutive days. Applications must include:
a.
Property owners' consent.
b.
Duration of intended use.
c.
Purpose of camper occupancy.
2.
No more than two (2) permits per year may be issued for the same property without special approval by the Board of Aldermen.
F.
Enforcement And Penalties.
1.
The City Code Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to inspect and enforce compliance with this Section.
2.
Any person found violating this Section shall be subject to:
a.
A civil fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) per violation.
b.
Removal of the camper at the owner's expense if found to be in violation for more than five (5) days after notice.
c.
Revocation of temporary use permits for repeat offenses.
G.
Severability. If any Section, clause, or provision of this Section is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such availability shall not affect the remaining provisions.
Section 405.650 Regulation Of Tent Dwelling Within City Limits Of Bowling Green.
[Ord. No. 2047, 10-20-2025]
A.
Purpose. To ensure public health, safety and welfare by regulating the use of tents as dwellings within City limits.
B.
Definitions.
DWELLING
A place used for hunting habitation, whether permanent or temporary.
PRIVATE PROPERTY
Land owned by individuals or entities not affiliated with the City.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
Land owned or maintained by the City, including parks, sidewalks, and rights-of-way.
TENTS
Any temporary shelter made of fabric or similar material supported by poles, ropes, or frames.
C.
Prohibited Activities.
1.
It is unlawful to use a tent as a primary residence on public property.
2.
Camping in tents on public property is prohibited.
3.
No tent may be erected on private property for residential use longer than three (3) consecutive days without City approval.
D.
Exceptions.
1.
Temporary use of tents for recreational purposes (e.g., backyard camping) is permitted for up to three (3) consecutive nights.
2.
Emergency shelters operated by licensed organizations may use tents with City approval.
3.
Special events (e.g., festivals, scout outings) may use tents with a temporary event permit.
4.
Camping at the City Lake (see Section 245.070, Camping).
E.
Permit Process.
1.
Residents may apply for a temporary tent dwelling permit through the City Building and Code office if request exceeds more than the three (3) consecutive days.
2.
Permits may be granted for up to seven (7) days with proof of sanitation, fire safety, and property owner consent with a one (1) time renewal not to exceed a total of fourteen (14) days.
3.
Renewal requires reinspection and justification of continued need.
4.
Permit requests exceeding fourteen (14) days will require Board approval.
5.
Tent camping with permit may not exceed a total of twenty-eight (28) days within a calendar year on private property.
F.
Enforcement And Penalties.
1.
Violations may result in fines up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) per day.
2.
Tents found in violation may be subject to removal by City officials.
3.
Repeat violations may result in misdemeanor charges.
G.
Severability. If any provision of this Section is found invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.