Council reviews first reading to allow seasonal RV residency in Rustic Ranches overlay

On first reading council considered Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 2025‑20 to change the Rustic Ranches overlay rules for recreational vehicles. Staff said the current Rustic Ranches provision limited RV occupancy to two weeks per year; the proposed amendment would remove that individualized limit and defer Rustic Ranches to the EOZD seasonal permit standard (allowing RVs November–April with a seasonal permit), aligning the subarea’s rules with other subareas within the equestrian overlay.

Staff indicated both the Planning Board and EPC recommended approval. Council members discussed consistency across subareas and the history of neighborhood plans that created special provisions for some subareas, and some members said if provisions are relaxed they should revert to a universal standard rather than create differing rules for each neighborhood.

This item was presented on first reading; the transcript shows council discussion but does not record a final vote on second reading.