SOUTH HUTCHINSON — Residents of South Hutchinson who live in recreational vehicles or campers, or who allow long-term RV stays on their property, will need to comply with new city regulations before Oct. 1.
The South Hutchinson City Council approved Ordinance No. 26-10 during its July 27 meeting, establishing new rules that prohibit campers, recreational vehicles and other temporary dwellings from being used as permanent residences within city limits.
City officials said the ordinance is intended to promote public health, safety and preserve neighborhood integrity.
Under the ordinance, RVs and campers may only be used as permanent residences within licensed RV parks. The city defines a permanent residence as a dwelling occupied continuously for more than seven days or for more than 30 days during a calendar year. The ordinance also prohibits RVs and campers from being connected to the city's sanitary sewer system.
The ordinance includes several exceptions allowing temporary occupancy in specific situations.
Guests may stay in an RV for up to seven consecutive days, with a maximum of 30 days per calendar year, as long as no rent or compensation is exchanged.
Residents renovating or constructing a permanent home may temporarily occupy an RV if they have a valid building permit and obtain a temporary permit from the city.
The ordinance also allows continued occupancy in city-approved RV parks and authorizes the City Council to issue temporary hardship permits for residents displaced by disasters or emergencies. Those permits are valid for up to 90 days and may be extended if necessary.
Although the ordinance has been adopted, enforcement will not begin until Oct. 1, giving residents time to bring their properties into compliance.
According to the city, first-time violations will receive a written warning. Additional violations could result in Municipal Court complaints, fines ranging from $50 to $500 and removal of the RV at the owner's expense. Each day a violation continues will be treated as a separate offense.
You can read the ordinance on the City of South Hutchinson's website.