Updated Recreational Vehicle Ordinance Coming to Trappe

Trappe Borough Council got a look at the amended Recreational Vehicle ordinance at their Oct. 2, 2012 monthly meeting.

The ordinance, which has been approved by the Planning, Zoning and Ordinance committee, was getting a second look by council members. Last month, at the borough meeting, the fire marshal expressed concerns about some of the language in the document.

He recommended changes about flammable materials, such as propane, and their proximity to structures. He also suggested establishing a buffer between the recreational vehicle and any structures to ensure emergency vehicle access if necessary.

Those issues appeared to be addressed in the amended version of the ordinance. Council did discuss language that reads “at no time should any recreational vehicle be occupied”.

Councilman Scholl had concerns about that wording, wanting to make sure that someone visiting a Trappe home should be permitted to stay in the vehicle. 

“We don’t want someone living in their vehicle on a permanent basis,” said Solicitor Onorato.

“Is it possible to have someone apply for a permit for temporary use, like if they’re getting their home remodeled?” asked Councilman Edwards.

“If I have relatives visiting Christmas week and they are staying in the RV, do they need a permit? asked Councilwoman Johnson.

The solicitor recommended that council should decide what requirements they want for getting a permit and then put those in the list of permit requirements.

There will be a public hearing for the Recreational Vehicle ordinance at the December 4, 2012 Council meeting. The public can view the current ordinance and attend the hearing to voice any concerns or to make comments.

The next Trappe Borough Council meeting date has changed due to Election Day on Tuesday, November 6. The public is invited to attend the next public meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 7 pm at Borough Hall.