Mills County zoning board denies proposal for six‑space RV campground on Ellington Avenue

The Mills County Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to deny a conditional‑use application for a six‑space RV campground at Ellington Avenue and 237th Street after neighbors delivered sustained opposition during the public‑hearing period.

Neighbors, including Rick Rice of 54835 Emerald and others who live near the site, told the board the proposal would worsen safety and congestion near local schools and residential roads. "We're going to have to put stop signs and make that a three‑way stop at that corner," Rice said, while also raising concerns about speeding on 237th and the lack of a resident supervisor to handle late‑night noise and trash.

Several residents said the campground would not fit the character of the area’s multi‑acre residential lots. "Putting six parking spots on half an acre does not match anything in the area," one commenter said, adding that property values and existing road conditions could be harmed. Other speakers cited raccoon problems tied to open trash containers and uncertainty about sewer or waste‑disposal plans.

The applicant, whose presentation described a short‑stay RV campground with water now and possible future electricity but no dump station, said fencing and quiet‑hours rules were planned. The applicant described maximum stays of seven days and said the site would be kept clean and supervised during daylight hours.

County staff recommended denial in the packet presented to the board, saying the parcel in the AR agricultural/residential district was inadequate in "size, shape, or taxes to handle the intensity of the use" and that emergency access and an engineered site plan had not been provided.

Board members expressed concerns similar to those of neighbors: the small parcel size, potential problems getting emergency vehicles in and out, and the lack of a detailed engineering plan. "I think it's awfully small," one member said, noting that a weather shelter and secure access would be important for any campground proposal.

After discussion the board member Pat moved to deny the application; the motion was seconded and the board took a roll‑call vote. The chair announced a brief recess after the vote and the denial was recorded in the meeting minutes.

The board urged residents concerned about campgrounds as a use in the county to raise the issue with the planning and zoning commission and the board of supervisors if they seek a broader zoning change. No formal appeals or litigation were announced during the meeting.