Bluff planners to review RV rules after resident inquiry

Chair Malia Collins and other Bluff Planning & Zoning commissioners agreed March 5 to re‑examine the town’s recreational‑vehicle rules after a landowner asked whether long‑term occupancy of an RV on a residential lot is allowed.

The matter arose after a landowner emailed the commission about a specific property. Commissioners Collins and Brian Whitney conducted a site visit and reported the lot has utility hookups and an onsite septic system. Commissioners noted the lot is residential and currently non‑conforming because it is smaller than 0.5 acres.

Commissioners reviewed the December 2025 RV ordinance update and the commission’s interpretation that an RV or tiny house on wheels (THOW) may be placed and occupied on a nonconforming lot so long as it meets Section 6.01.030(F) and state wastewater rules. The minutes quote the code requirement: “if a nonconforming lot of record is proposed for development it may be developed, provided that the owner can: a. install and maintain an onsite wastewater system in compliance with Utah Administrative Code R.317‑4; and b. comply with other applicable ordinances.”

Commissioners emphasized a distinction in the code: two or more rented RV sites would constitute an RV park, which the residential zone does not allow. To resolve ambiguity about intent and application (for example, whether long‑term residency is permitted on standard and nonconforming lots alike), the commission agreed the RV ordinance should be revisited during its zoning‑code review.

The commission did not adopt ordinance language at the meeting. The planned next step is to place an RV‑ordinance review on the commission’s work program so staff can draft clarifying language and, if needed, present recommended amendments for public hearing.