Chapter 8.20
CAMPING
Sections:
8.20.020 Private camping prohibited.
8.20.030 Residential occupancy or use prohibited.
8.20.040 Public camping prohibited.
8.20.010 Camping defined.
A. “Camping” means the use of any public or private property for living accommodation purposes including but not limited to any of the following:
1. Erecting any tent, tarpaulin, shelter, or other structure that would permit one to sleep overnight;
2. Using a recreational vehicle for the purposes of sleeping.
B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, “camping” shall not include sleeping in a public or private place during daylight hours as long as no tent, tarpaulin, shelter, or other structure has been erected.
C. “Recreational vehicle” means a vehicle-type portable structure without permanent foundation designed and manufactured for recreational use, which can be towed, hauled or driven. This definition includes, but is not limited to, travel trailers, truck campers, camping trailers and self-propelled motor homes. Recreational vehicles designed as temporary living units are prohibited as permanent dwelling units. “Permanent” for the purpose of this section is defined as occupancy by a person(s) for more than a 30-day period in one consecutive 12-month period. (Ord. 1618 § 1, 2007).
8.20.020 Private camping prohibited.
A. It is unlawful for any person to engage in camping in the city of Burlington on any private property within the zoned areas designated as OSP, B-1, C-1, C-2, M-1 and the business park district except in camping or trailer parks approved by the city with necessary water, sanitary facilities and electrical connections.
B. Exception. The occupants of each single-family residence in the city, regardless of zoning district, may camp in no more than one recreational vehicle for up to seven days without a permit issued by the city, and for an extended period not to exceed 30 days upon issuance of a temporary use permit by the city planning director.
1. The permit issued must be affixed to the recreational vehicle in such a manner that it is prominently displayed and visible, to the extent possible, from the public right-of-way.
2. Recreational vehicles meeting the requirements of this subsection may be parked in a front yard, need not be sight-screened and need not comply with accessory structure setback requirements for the effective period of the permit.
3. Each residence will be limited to one temporary use permit within any six-month period. (Ord. 1618 § 1, 2007).
8.20.030 Residential occupancy or use prohibited.
A. Recreation vehicles as defined in BMC 8.20.010(C) shall not have connections to residential sewer systems or any permanent connections to other residential utilities. Recreational vehicles shall not be used as a residence and shall not be occupied for temporary use for more than 30 days in a consecutive 12-month period, except as may be provided in designated trailer and RV parks.
B. No recreational vehicle or manufactured home shall be used as an accessory structure to a residence, nor to accommodate a residential accessory use. (Ord. 1618 § 1, 2007).
8.20.040 Public camping prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in camping in any park or playfield owned by the city, or on any sidewalk, street, alley, lane, public right-of-way, or under any bridge or viaduct, or in any other public place to which the general public has access, except in park areas explicitly designated by the city director of parks and recreation. (Ord. 1618 § 1, 2007).
8.20.050 Penalty.
Violation of BMC 8.20.020, 8.20.030 or 8.20.040 shall be a misdemeanor. (Ord. 1618 § 1, 2007).