Breckenridge clarifies ordinance after influx of people living in RVs in residential areas

BRECKENRIDGE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – In recent years, more families are switching from traditional housing to living in an RV. But in Breckenridge, this change is causing some challenges. City Manager Cynthia Northrop explained that there has been an increase in people living in recreational vehicles in residential areas. While living in an RV in a residential area was never allowed in the first place, Northrop noted that the city is making changes to clarify the guidelines.

Sponsored

class="wp-block-image size-large">

“We’ve had a situation where RVs were only specifically addressed in our traffic chapter of our ordinances, and even though in our use chart for our zoning ordinance, it’s implied that they’re not allowed. We didn’t have the corresponding one usually in the use chart. So really, all it was, we didn’t change anything substantively, but we wanted to just make that clear that they’re not allowed in residential areas,” explained Northrop.

The change was made at a City Commissioners meeting earlier this month. The ordinance states that living in an RV in a residential area is prohibited. The RV must be placed in an area zoned for recreational vehicles (RVs), such as an RV park. If an RV is parked in a residential area, it must be placed out of sight, such as in a backyard, but living inside it is not permitted. If it is parked in a visible location, it must only be there for 24 hours and then moved.

Northrop added that at this time, the city does not have a full-time code enforcement officer. This is attributed to the reason why the city saw an increase in residents living in RVs in front of homes and backyards. She hopes this change can make enforcing rules easier.

“The other challenge we’ve had is that we haven’t had a full-time code enforcement officer. We’ve had one person doing three jobs and big jobs, I will say. So, the code enforcement was basically part-time. I think in the absence of that, not having a full-time code enforcement officer and not being very clear in our ordinance, we’ve had just an uptick of people using RVs on their properties, living places,” added Northrop.

According to KOA campground owner Ken Stephens, this ordinance illustrates the growing trend of people opting for RV living.

“We consider them a community campground, so we don’t refer to them as an RV park. There’s a low-cost housing crisis in the country. So, people are looking for good, clean, safe places to live that are affordable. That’s what we’re trying to provide,” shared Stephens.

Stephens shared that his RV park has 78 lots, and the rent price includes many utilities, which is why he has noticed an increase in people living life on wheels. He has heard from other residents in Breckenridge of all ages and backgrounds that they chose to find an RV community because there aren’t enough housing options.

“If you look at apartments or rental houses or condos or whatever, the lowest cost, lowest overall cost is an RV park or a campground, it is the lowest price. So, the average price is going to be between 400 and 600. That’s sort of an average,” Stephens explained.

For those looking for an RV community, Stephens advises researching the amenities you need for your family, as every park is different.

As for Northrop, she explains that the city of Breckenridge is working on being transparent and communicating more effectively with residents. This is why residents may start to see some updates and attend public meetings regarding ordinances and changes.