07-13-2010 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Minutes July 13, 2010 Page 5 --------------------------- • that some campers are not the best; some are older. She stated that she would like to keep her spot. She stated that the city should not take the owner's livelihood away. Michael Clopping, 18540 Troy Street -stated his is the closest residence to Wapiti Park He likes the people and enjoys the horses and guinea hens and has no problem with them. He stated that he heard a comment from the city that they want Wapiti Park to go away. He asked whytheywould want to do that, after theyhave been there for 35 years. He stated he felt the city should work with them to fix the problems, not push them out, because that is not right. There being no other public comments, Chair Westberg closed the public hearing. Mr. Beck explained that the propertyis not zoned for a campground, but it is "grandfathered in" as a nonconforming use, which means it cannot be expanded. When their building burned, the city approved an interim use permit for ten years, in order for Wapiti Park to stay in business. Mr. Beck explained that the city found a wayto allow Wapiti to stay by issuing the IUP for-ten years, as it seemed development was heading out that way. He stated that the market is very different now Mr. Beck stated that he did not know of anyone who was pushing for Wapiti Parkto "go away", and he has been with the city for thirtyyears. He stated that there has always been a concern for residents living at Wapiti Park. Mr. Beck explained that there are verydifferent requirements set bythe state for manufactured home parks and campgrounds. He stated the conditions the city is proposing are not anything beyond what the state requires for recreational campgrounds, and anything that is not a recreational camping vehicle needs to be removed. The conditions are meant to protect the safety and health of the people camping out and to be sure that it is functioning as a • campground and not a mobile home park Commissioner Ives asked if the state's regulations address length of stay. Mr. Beck stated the regulations include daily, nightly, weekly or longer periods of stay. He indicated that Condition # 5 needs to be discussed bythe Plaiuzing Commission. He stated that the goal of the condition is to protect the residents. He noted that state campgrounds functionyear- round and there is nothing expressly in state law to prohibit year-round use at Wapiti, as long as it functions as a campground. Commissioner Ives asked if staff was aware of the number of request for checks on the welfare of residents that have been made at Wapiti. Mr. Barnhart stated staff does not have information. Mr. Beck stated those calls would go to county or state agencies. Commissioner Bell stated that other types of buildings such as apartments have checks on welfare, and he did not feel that should be a reason to close someone down. Commissioner Ives stated that those are buildings and not a campground. Chair Westberg stated that closing the park would be going too far. He felt there should be more discussion on Condition # 5. Commissioner Anderson stated that Commissioner Scott forwarded his comments to him. Iris concern and Commissioner Scott's concerns are the outstanding violations of the health inspector and wintering in the park He stated that he worked and lived at the KOA Campground for three years and the owners lived there year-round. He stated that he has lived here for thirtyyears and is aware the Wapiti area is a beautiful, pristine area. He felt the • health, safetyand environmental conditions need to be addressed. He stated he would like a more thorough statement from septic inspector that the system is able to handle the