When the Hidden Spring RV Resort on Hwy 91 (between Main Street and 200 W) was first proposed years ago, the Planning Commission and City Council crafted thoughtful code requirements to ensure it would truly be a “resort,” not just another RV park. These included landscaping to screen the resort from the road, concrete pads for RVs, and a vision (but not a requirement) for cottages along the frontage to soften the view of RVs. The result was a solid code, but hindsight revealed areas where it could be improved.
This summer, the owners requested several changes, including delaying the installation of landscaping and concrete pads, renting clubhouse units, and adding tiny homes (for tourists with a maximum stay of 29 days, not to be used as permanent housing). They also made it clear they would prefer that the City eliminate the concrete pad requirement altogether and let them decide whether to add any or not.
Code Changes Should Be Rare and Compelling
I believe changing city code is only justifiable under very compelling circumstances. Revisiting these standards without strong reasons sets a risky precedent. In this case, however, the owners’ requests opened the door for meaningful give-and-take negotiations.
These negotiations were necessary if we wanted to “fix” some weaknesses in the code. That’s because the owners have the right to follow the regulations and requirements in the code that were in place at the time of their application, which goes back to 2021.
They are not required to comply with any code changes after that, especially more restrictive ones. As a result, the City Council could not arbitrarily impose new, more restrictive requirements, such as enhanced landscaping or RV height limits, without the owners’ buy-in.
A Balanced Outcome
The compromise we are considering now allows tiny homes, but only where the cabins were planned, the ability to rent the clubhouse units, a requirement for concrete pads, but only for about 30 pull-through RV sites, and some time extensions. In return for the City making these concessions, two other code changes have been agreed to by the owners that are more restrictive and will reduce the resort’s impact on community:
- RV height limits of 10 feet for about 25 sites closest to the frontage, creating a softer visual impact.
- Stronger landscaping requirements, including specific tree sizes, for more effective screening.
These adjustments improve the original vision by reducing the resort’s visual impact on residents in the community.
Looking Ahead
I don’t think everyone on the City Council is thrilled by some or all of these suggested changes. But I believe the result of this negotiation, if adopted, is better for our residents. The proposed changes are now back with the Planning Commission for their recommendations, and I look forward to seeing how this evolves.
Did I compromise too much on the concrete pad issue? Should I have continued to limit the clubhouse units to owners and managers or turned down the addition of tiny homes? Why would I extend deadlines for installing landscaping or concrete pads? These are questions I’ve asked myself.
But here’s what I know for certain: Thoughtful negotiation doesn’t mean giving in; it means finding balanced solutions that benefit residents. That’s the goal: adding benefits for residents. Negotiation is a process of give and take. Outcomes need to work for everyone involved. If a property owner benefits as a result, so be it.
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