Great Bend Post
Existing Great Bend ordinances and regulations could be interpreted to prohibit the use of an RV parked on a lot as a residence. However, they do not clearly do so.
A complaint was made to code enforcement about a trailer in the side yard of a property being used as a residence for a family member. When the city code enforcement officer contacted the owner, he came before the Great Bend City Council a few weeks ago and argued that the existing ordinances and regulation do no prohibit the use of an RV as a residence.
Since then, the city clerk and the zoning enforcement officer have received complaints about new instances of RVs being set up to be used as residences.
The use of RVs in this manner creates problems and potential problems with the esthetics of the neighborhoods, the stringing of cables and hoses across yards and creates enforcement issues with other regulations such as zoning regulations prohibiting more than one residence on a lot.
Since the issue is not clear, the city is presenting an ordinance to clearly state that this is not permitted. Those uses already existing as of Oct. 1, 2022, are grandfathered in.
A motion will be presented to the city council to limit living in recreational vehicles to campgrounds and RV parks. The Great Bend City Council meeting is Monday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.