The County is dedicated to the preservation of productive agricultural land. This chapter is not intended to conflict with this policy, but rather, this chapter offers an alternative use for marginally productive farmland such as woodlands. This chapter is designed to:

   A.   Protect and maintain productive agricultural lands;

   B.   Protect and maintain the future development of agricultural operations by protecting existing agricultural operations from incompatible uses;

   C.   Prevent excessive increases in public service costs by directing proposed campgrounds to areas served by or adjacent to public service facilities;

   D.   Protect the County's high quality recreational resource areas including wooded areas, natural watercourses, ponds, wetlands, unique topographic features, and slopes exceeding ten percent (10%); and

   E.   Ensure that recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds maintain the high quality of the County's recreational resource areas. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Application For Permit: All applications for a permit to operate a recreational vehicle park or campground shall contain the following:

      1.   Name, address, and telephone number of applicant.

      2.   Percentage of interest of the applicant and/or owners in the proposed campground.

      3.   Names and addresses of all persons holding interest or having an interest in the proposed campground.

      4.   Location, address, and legal description of the entire proposed campground.

      5.   Existing zoning of subject property and all adjacent properties.

      6.   Complete engineering plans and specifications of the proposed campground showing:

         a.   The area and dimensions of the entire tract of land.

         b.   The number, location, and size of all lots intended for use by recreational vehicles or tents.

         c.   The number, location, and size of all unimproved, partially improved, and fully improved lots.

         d.   The location, right-of-way and surfaced roadway width, and surfacing material of roadways and walkways.

         e.   The location of proposed interior vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns.

         f.   The location of service buildings, sanitary stations, and any other existing or proposed structures.

         g.   The location of water and sewer lines.

         h.   Plans and specifications of all buildings constructed or to be constructed within the campground.

         i.   Plans and specifications of the water supply, refuse and sewage disposal facilities, and pet exercise and sanitation areas.

         j.   The location and details of lighting and electrical systems.

         k.   The location of fire hydrants, if provided.

         l.   Location of all drainage easements shall comply with County drainage plans.

         m.   Quantity and point or area of departure of stormwater runoff prior to and subsequent to construction of the proposed RV park. Engineering plans and calculations for these measurements shall be in compliance with the County soil and erosion ordinance (see section 8-4-5 of this title).

         n.   Erosion control and landscaping plan.

         o.   The County ASCS Soils Report.

         p.   The calendar months of the year during which the applicant will operate the proposed campground.

   B.   Site Plan:

      1.   Information Required: Every application for the construction, operation, maintenance, and occupancy for a campground shall be accompanied with plans and specifications, fully setting out the RV spaces, the position of each RV, motor vehicle parking spaces, the driveway giving access thereto, and a plan of landscaping.

      2.   Review: Before any permit is issued for a campground and the use thereof, the plans and specifications shall be reviewed by the Grundy County Zoning Board of Appeals taking into account all the provisions set out herein, as well as such special use provisions specified in section 8-2-5-3, "Campgrounds And Recreational Vehicle Parks", of this title. Additional requirements may be imposed by the County Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Land Use Committee. Further, all plans and specifications must be in accordance with State regulations governing campgrounds. (Ord. 2018-012, 6-12-2018)

   C.   Phased Developments: Where a campground development is proposed for construction in a series of stages, a master plan for the development of the entire tract of land shall be submitted along with the detailed plans and specifications for the initial stage, as well as any subsequent stages.

   D.   Issuance Of Permit: After receiving approval as a special use, the Land Use Department may issue a permit based upon the review and the requirements set forth in section 8-14-6, "Special Use Permits", of this title. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Application Of State Regulations: Health and sanitation requirements shall be based upon the requirements of the State rules and regulations for recreational areas, effective October 29, 1980, as amended.

   B.   Garbage, Refuse, And Litter:

      1.   The storage, collection, and disposal of refuse shall be performed so as to minimize accidents, fire hazards, air pollution, odors, insects, rodents, or other nuisance conditions. Durable, watertight, easily cleanable refuse containers, sufficient to contain all the refuse, shall be provided at each service building and sanitary waste station or at a central storage area readily accessible and located not more than three hundred feet (300') from any camp or picnic site unless provided at campsite lots. Refuse containers shall be provided at the rate of eight (8) cubic feet (60 gallons) for each five (5) campsites or the equivalent thereof. Containers shall be covered with close fitting, flytight covers.

      2.   The park or campground must maintain litter control and refuse collection so as to prevent litter or refuse from blowing onto or otherwise being deposited on nearby agricultural lands.

      3.   Insects and rodents shall be controlled by elimination of breeding and harborage sources, proper sanitary practices, extermination, vermin proofing of buildings, and other approved control methods.

   C.   Food Service: Food service facilities or activities must meet requirements and recommendations of the health department. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Permitted Buildings And Uses: Service buildings and accessory uses may be permitted for some classes of parks or campgrounds. Permitted accessory buildings and uses are as follows:

      1.   Classes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G:

         a.   Management offices, repair shops for park equipment, and storage areas.

         b.   One dwelling unit is permitted and required in classes E, F, and G for the manager or owner exclusively for seasonal use.

         c.   Sanitary facilities, including toilets and showers.

         d.   Store, for use by campers and daily users only.

      2.   Classes A, B, C, D, and E:

         a.   Laundry facilities.

         b.   Picnic shelters.

      3.   Classes A, B, C, and D:

         a.   Indoor recreation facilities, not to exceed three thousand (3,000) square feet.

         b.   Management residence; each recreational vehicle park or campground in class A, B, C, or D may have two (2) dwellings for residential purposes of the owner and/or manager.

      4.   Classes A, B, and C:

         a.   Indoor recreational facilities not to exceed six thousand (6,000) square feet.

         b.   Swimming facilities, indoor and outdoor.

   B.   Special Uses: Other special uses may be granted for classes A, B, C, and D as provided by the county board. These may include, but are not limited to:

      1.   Marinas.

      2.   Miniature golf or regulation golf courses.

      3.   Snack shops.

      4.   Stables or corrals.

      5.   Theaters.

   C.   Structural Requirements: All service buildings, recreational buildings, and accessory use buildings shall be constructed to meet the Grundy County building code. "Recreational vehicles", as defined in chapter 16, "Definitions", of this title, shall not be used for accessory purposes in connection with the park or campground.

   D.   Signs: Commercial uses supplying foods or services for the exclusive use of campers and/or daily users may have signs for identification purposes only. Signs or advertising must not be visible from outside the park, and signs may be restricted in size by the land use department. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

In all campgrounds, there shall be one or more recreational areas which shall be easily accessible to all campers and/or picnickers. Recreational areas shall be so located as to be free of traffic hazards and should, where the topography permits, be centrally located. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Street System:

      1.   All recreational vehicle parks shall be provided with safe and convenient vehicular access from abutting streets or roads to each lot. Such access shall be provided by streets, driveways, or other means. No on street parking shall be allowed.

      2.   All recreational vehicle parks shall be provided with safe and convenient vehicular access from an improved public street or road. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary access in all cases where there is no existing improved street or road connecting the recreational vehicle park site with an improved existing public street or road. The county highway department shall approve all access and entrance locations and improvements before the issuance of a permit.

      3.   Entrances to recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds shall be designed to minimize congestion and hazards and allow free movement of traffic on adjacent streets. All park entrance streets shall be a minimum of twenty four feet (24') in width to their first point of intersection with a minor park street and have a six inch (6") gravel base.

      4.   Collector streets shall have a minimum roadway of not less than twenty feet (20') in width with a dust controlled surface which will include a six inch (6") gravel base.

      5.   Minor streets shall have a minimum width roadway of not less than eighteen feet (18').

   B.   Off Street Parking: Off street parking areas shall be provided for the use of campers and daily users. Parking spaces shall be provided for not less than 2.25 cars per recreational vehicle lot. Required parking spaces may include one car space on a recreational vehicle lot and, in addition, shall include a sufficient number of parking spaces off street to bring the total number of parking spaces up to the required 2.25 car spaces per lot. Each parking space shall be not less than ten feet (10') wide and twenty feet (20') deep and shall be surfaced for its entire area with a dust palliate.

   C.   Pedestrian Access: All parks shall be provided with safe, convenient pedestrian access of adequate width for intended use between individual lots, the park streets and all service buildings and accessory facilities provided for campers. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   All recreational vehicles and tents shall not be located along park boundaries so as to cause an adverse impact to adjoining properties. A fifty foot (50') setback or greater shall be imposed with a reasonable increase in plantings and/or berms which shall be required in order to lessen the impact to adjoining properties affected.

   B.   All recreational vehicles and tents shall be located at least ten feet (10') from a minor street and twenty five feet (25') from a collector street or entrance street.

   C.   All recreational vehicles and tents shall be located at least thirty feet (30') from a body of water.

   D.   Recreational vehicles and accessory structures must be separated from one another by at least ten feet (10') in all directions. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   General Requirements: Conditions of soil, groundwater level, drainage, and topography shall not create hazards to the property or the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants. The site shall not be exposed to objectionable smoke, noise, odors, or other adverse influences, and no portion subject to flooding, subsidence, or erosion shall be used for any purpose which would expose persons or property to hazards.

   B.   Screening And Barriers:

      1.   The park or campground must be screened from nearby agricultural uses by a vegetative buffer. The width of the buffer should vary in proportion to the maximum campground or park population up to a maximum of three hundred feet (300') and, depending upon the site specific relationship with adjacent contiguous development, the buffer may vary.

      2.   The periphery of the park or campground, except at designated access roads, must be completely enclosed by a barrier or other enclosure which will not permit people or farm animals to pass through it.

      3.   Adequate screening and/or fencing shall be provided along the boundaries and public roads adjoining the site.

   C.   Soil And Ground Cover Regulations: Exposed ground surfaces in all parts of every campground shall be covered with stone screening or other solid material or protected with a vegetative growth that is capable of preventing soil erosion and of eliminating objectionable dust, except pathways and baseball diamond areas, depending upon the site specific nature of the area and upon the review of the county board. Compliance with section 8-4-5 of this title, is required.

   D.   Site Drainage; Preservation Of Waters And Natural Features:

      1.   Site Drainage And Slopes:

         a.   The ground surface in all parts of every recreational vehicle park or campground shall be graded and equipped to drain all surface water in a safe, efficient manner.

         b.   Stormwater runoff shall be limited to the rate which would occur under natural conditions.

         c.   Areas with slopes greater than fifteen percent (15%) are to be retained in permanent open space.

      2.   Floodplain Areas: All lands classified as floodplain shall remain in permanent open space.

      3.   Forests: No more than twenty percent (20%) of any forest shall be cleared or developed, and the remaining eighty percent (80%) shall be retained in permanent open space unless the county soil and water conservation service reviews and recommends more than twenty percent (20%) of the forest area to be cleared.

      4.   Waterways And Wetlands:

         a.   All ponds, wetlands, and watercourses shall be left in permanent open space, and no dredging, filling, or diversion of water shall be permitted.

         b.   All ponds, wetlands, and watercourses are to be protected from erosion and sedimentation in accordance with section 8-4-5 of this title.

      5.   Scenic View Protected: Scenic views from public highways or adjoining lands must be maintained.

   E.   Bulk Requirements:

      1.   Size Of Park Or Campground: The size of each recreational vehicle park or campground shall be regulated according to the following classes:

 

 

      2.   Lot Area: Every RV or tent shall be located on a lot having a minimum area of one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet, except for a recreational vehicle with a gross floor area of more than three hundred twenty (320) square feet; then the minimum lot area is six thousand (6,000) square feet.

      3.   Required Separation Of Vehicles And Structures: Recreational vehicles shall be separated from neighboring units and from any buildings or structures by at least ten feet (10') which shall be maintained unobstructed. Any accessory buildings shall be separated from RVs, tents, and all other buildings or structures by at least twenty feet (20') and shall be located no closer than ten feet (10') from any lot line.

      4.   Density: Density shall vary according to classes and shall be based on total acreage minus the acreage of any body of water larger than one hundred twelve (112) acres.

 

 

      5.   Recreational Areas: A certain percentage of the gross acreage of a recreational vehicle park or campground shall be provided for recreational use, generally provided in centralized locations or in areas with natural recreational amenities and shall include suitable landscaping. Requirements for recreational areas vary according to classes and, for computation, all water would be included in the percent of gross acreage.

 

 

   F.   Primitive/Group Camping: Primitive/group camping may be permitted for some classes of recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds. Group camping areas must be identified as such on the plot plan in the application for permit and must meet the following standards:

      1.   Group camping areas shall contain at least one acre in area.

      2.   Group camping shall contain at least one toilet facility conveniently located.

      3.   Group camping areas shall not contain more than thirty (30) RVs and/or tents.

      4.   Group camping shall not be permitted within seventy five feet (75') of any park boundary.

      5.   Primitive/group camping shall be allowed in designated areas.

   G.   Daily Use:

      1.   Daily use of the recreational vehicle or campground for classes D, E, F, and G are subject to the following restrictions:

         a.   Daily use is limited to guests or visitors of registered campers only.

         b.   Daily users must register with the park management.

      2.   Daily use for class C is subject to the following restrictions:

         a.   Campers are permitted to have four (4) guests daily, provided the daily users register as such with the park management.

         b.   Picnicking is permitted as a daily use until sundown. Picnickers must register as daily users with the park management.

      3.   Daily use for classes A and B is subject to the following restrictions:

         a.   All daily users must register as such with the park management.

         b.   The total number of users registered at any point in time cannot exceed the number of permitted lots for that park or campground.

   H.   Minimum Development For Occupancy: For classes A, B, and C, the minimum number of spaces completed and ready for occupancy before first occupancy is permitted shall be twenty percent (20%) of the total spaces proposed to be developed. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Fires will be permitted only in facilities which have been provided for such purposes or where open fires are allowed.

   B.   Fireplaces, fire pits, charcoal braziers, wood burning stoves, or other cooking facilities shall be located, constructed, maintained, and used to minimize fire hazard and smoke nuisance in the campground and the neighboring properties.

   C.   No fire shall be abandoned, left unattended, or allowed to become a hazard to trees, vegetation, camping equipment, or adjacent campsites.

   D.   Fires shall be completely extinguished before the campsite is vacated.

   E.   No fuel shall be used and no material burned which emits dense smoke or objectionable odors. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Compliance With Provisions; Supervision: The person to whom a permit for a recreational vehicle park or campground is issued shall operate the park in compliance with this chapter and shall provide adequate supervision to maintain the park, its facilities, and equipment in good repair and in a clean, sanitary condition.

   B.   Information To Registrant: The park management shall give to each park registrant a copy of this section and section 8-11-11, "Responsibilities Of Park Users", of this chapter, for his or her inspection and may offer other applicable provisions of this chapter.

   C.   Register Kept: The park management shall maintain a register containing the names, addresses, make of car, and license plate number of all campers and daily users. Such register shall be available to any authorized person inspecting the park.

   D.   Noise Control: The park management shall be responsible for controlling noise within the park to levels which do not exceed the state EPA rules and regulations. Quiet time shall be observed from eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M. to seven o'clock (7:00) A.M.

   E.   Pets: The park management shall adopt and enforce regulations prohibiting campers' and daily users' pets from running at large, committing a nuisance, or otherwise disturbing other campers or residents in the county.

   F.   Telephone Services: The park management shall provide one public telephone for each four hundred (400) lots or portion thereof. Individual camper telephone or mail service shall be prohibited.

   G.   Lease Or Rental Of Vehicles Or Tents Prohibited: The park management shall not offer for lease or rent any recreational vehicle or tent. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   H.   Restrictions On Use Of Vehicles Or Tents:

      1.   No RV or tent shall be used for business purposes.

      2.   No RV or tent shall be used as a permanent place of abode or dwelling. Continuous occupancy is permitted for a maximum duration of time from April 1 to November 1. (Ord. 2012-030, 9-11-2012)

   A.   Compliance With Provisions; Clean, Sanitary Conditions: The camper or picnicker shall comply with all applicable requirements of this chapter and shall maintain his lot, its facilities, and equipment in good repair and in a clean and sanitary condition.

   B.   Proper Installation Of Equipment And Utility Connections: The camper shall be responsible for proper placement of his recreational vehicle on its stand or his tent in its proper location and proper installation of any utility connections in accordance with the instructions of the park management.

   C.   Pets: Pets, if permitted in the park, shall be prohibited from running at large or committing any nuisance.

   D.   Garbage And Refuse: The camper or picnicker shall store and dispose of all his refuse and garbage in a clean, sanitary, and safe manner and in containers. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

It shall be the duty of every camper or picnicker in the park to give the owner thereof or his agent or employee access to any part of such recreational vehicle park at reasonable times for the purpose of making such repairs or alterations as are necessary to effect compliance with this chapter and to facilitate inspections. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)

   A.   Inspection Authorized: The zoning officer is hereby authorized to make such inspections as are necessary to determine satisfactory compliance with this chapter.

   B.   Entry Powers:

      1.   The zoning officer shall have the power to enter at reasonable times upon any private or public property for the purpose of inspecting and investigating conditions relating to the enforcement of this chapter.

      2.   It shall be the duty of the park management to give the zoning officer free access to all lots and other areas at reasonable times for the purpose of inspection.

   C.   Inspection Of Register: The zoning officer shall have the power to inspect the register containing a record of all campers and picnickers of the park. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)