RV park residents want a place to call home

They don't mind being labeled transients. It's OK to call them retirees. But don't dare call them criminals.

That's the message a convoy of recreational vehicle owners sent Boulder City council members during a two-hour discussion about whether or not they are violating a city zoning ordinance.

The debate was triggered by Councilman Bill Smith, who several weeks ago suggested RV owners were breaking the law by residing permanently in Boulder City RV parks.

Most coach owners abide by a law that says they cannot stay in an RV park for more than 180 consecutive days. Many, however, violate the city ordinance that says they cannot receive mail at the park or use the park as their home address on legal documents.

"If you don't have an address other than the RV park, you are in violation of the ordinance," Smith said Tuesday evening, citing the law that says RV parks cannot replace a permanent residence.

After listening to nearly a dozen RV owners, the council decided to meet with city staff and discuss amending the ordinance so that the coach owners are in compliance with the law.

Gerald Parrett said when he bought two lots in the Boulder Oaks RV resort -- the only RV park in Nevada where lots are sold -- he thought the only restriction was he had to leave every six months.

He is one of several coach travelers who list the RV park's address when filing legal documents.

"The intent was I needed a homebase," Parrett said. "Not a place to call home, a place to file taxes and renew my driver's license."

RV owner Richard Tipton said the city shouldn't be concerned that simply because somebody uses the park address for mail, they are planning on living there permanently.

At the same time, he said, the city shouldn't expect people to spend only a few nights at an RV park.

"An RV park isn't a campground," Tipton said. "People live in a park, that's why we buy RVs. It has never occurred to me that I was breaking the law."

Boulder Oaks lot owner Anthony DeJohn said once people have purchased a lot, they should have the right to live there. He unfolded a list of city taxes he pays dutifully, saying he should enjoy the same privileges as other taxpayers.

"I am a United States of America citizen and I can live wherever I want to live," he said.

Smith's fellow council members said they would just as soon allow RV owners to continue traveling and staying in the parks as they have. They said as long as nobody is violating the 180-day rule, they don't see any problems.

"It's worked well and there haven't been any problems," Mayor Robert Ferraro said. "Let's leave it alone and let it be."

However, Smith's insinuation people were living in Boulder City's two RV parks permanently attracted the attention of those who helped adopt the community's controlled growth ordinance.

The law says no more than 120 housing units can be developed in the city per year. Combined, Boulder Oaks and Canyon Trail have about 400 lots, which is more than two years' worth of allotments.

Smith said Monday he would pull the RV park item from the agenda. When the crowd filled the room Tuesday evening, council members opted to go forward with a public hearing. The fate of the existing ordinance will be addressed again on July 14.

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