Board orders screening, lighting limits and berm after review of operating Ingram Avenue campground

The Mills County Zoning Board of Adjustment on review of Conditional Use Permit 2419 for a campground at 20424 Ingram Avenue required multiple corrective conditions after neighbors said the site was operating without all permit requirements in place.

Neighbors described bright camper lights at night and alleged privacy invasions, visitors knocking on doors, increased traffic and drainage or basement water problems after grading and fill work. "There's water in my basement," one neighbor said, and another provided photos they said showed camper lights left on late into the night.

The applicant (identified in the record as Mr. Lincoln/Clay) told the board he had been in frequent contact with staff, described planting trees and ninebark shrubs as a buffer, installing a dumpster and a security camera, and said early test stays were free or unpaid while he finished landscaping and other site work. He said he removed guests immediately when the sheriff or staff raised concerns.

Staff told the board the county's enforcement process begins with a five‑day contact letter and can escalate to a 30‑day notice or court proceedings if an owner does not bring a site into compliance. Staff also noted that grading and drainage questions fall under the county engineer’s permit review and recommended the board follow up with that office to determine whether the grading work complied with the approved plan.

After discussion, the board voted to require: an impartial zoning official to visit the site and set the height and placement of a screening barrier (a fence) so campers cannot look into neighbors' windows; a determined earth berm (landscape berm) on the south property line to address line‑of‑sight and drainage concerns; a condition that any stationary lighting on campers or associated equipment be downcast and non‑projecting; and signage at each campsite with quiet hours, a contact number and emergency instructions. Several board members said a fence will likely be faster to install than waiting for trees to mature.

The board set a compliance deadline for all amended conditions of September 1 and discussed enforcement steps if the operator fails to meet the deadline, including county citation procedures and possible revocation of the conditional use permit.

The board also instructed planning staff to contact the county engineer to verify whether the grading permit and drainage measures are operating as intended and to report back to the board. The hearing record includes neighbors' photographs and emails alleging a grading fill brought dirt and changed drainage on the site; the county engineer will need to confirm whether the grading followed the approved plan.

The board's actions leave the permit in effect while conditions are set and monitored; staff said the operator had been responsive to county inquiries and that enforcement processes remain available if the operator does not complete the required measures by the deadline.