The Bonner County Board of Commissioners has voted to prohibit new RV parks and campgrounds in areas zoned as agricultural/forestry, rural residential, and rural.
The decision, made during a well-attended business meeting, followed concerns from some community members about the impact of commercial campgrounds on rural living.
The restriction will apply only to new developments and will not affect existing parks and campgrounds, according to a report by the Bonner County Daily Bee.
The proposal was introduced by Dave and Susan Bowman of Keep Bonner County Rural, who argued that campgrounds and RV parks should not be permitted in residential areas due to their classification as commercial land use.
Susan Bowman cited Bonner County Revised Code, which lists RV parks and campgrounds as commercial entities, stating that such developments are not appropriate for residential communities.
In a letter to the board, Dave Bowman expressed concerns over potential disruptions, citing noise, light pollution, and unregulated water and sewer usage as issues affecting rural residents.
He also raised concerns about the potential for long-term residency in RVs, which the county restricts to two per parcel under residential zoning regulations.
The meeting drew a significant turnout, with residents voicing both support and opposition to the proposal. Dennis Walker, a Bonner County resident, spoke in favor of the restriction, saying:
“I think it’s a matter of fairness for the people that have purchased land. We expected that we would be living in a rural area. We wouldn’t have bought our house if we’d known there would be high-density trailer parks, apartment complexes, or RV parks.”
Others raised concerns about health and safety regulations, including the fact that county fire districts and Panhandle Health District are not required to sign off on the creation of new parks.
However, not all community members supported the restriction. Shawn Glazier argued that RV parks provide essential accommodations for short-term tourists, who contribute to the local economy. He pointed out that many visitors prefer to stay in rural areas rather than near industrial sites or urban centers.
During deliberation, Commissioner Ron Korn acknowledged the concerns but suggested the restrictions be revised to allow for more flexibility.
Commissioners Brian Domke and Asia Williams, however, felt there was enough information to move forward with the ban as written. The final vote was 2-1 in favor of the prohibition, with Korn opposing.
For RV park and campground operators, this decision highlights the increasing challenges of zoning and land use regulations in rural areas. Business owners looking to expand in Bonner County will need to carefully navigate zoning laws and community concerns.
Given the growing demand for outdoor hospitality, industry professionals may need to explore alternative locations or work with local officials to find compromise solutions that balance business growth with community priorities.
