The Twentynine Palms Planning Commission attempted to better define campsites at their meeting last night (November 7).
A number of residents spoke on the matter during a public comment period, with many suggesting that developers were able to create large scale commercial hotel projects under the guise of campsites, often called “glamping.”
With public comment in mind, the commission set about to better define the different types of camping and campsites currently allowed in the town.
A Twentynine Palms staffer expressed the urgency of updating the city’s camping regulations saying, “People need a place to camp, and they will do it illegally, unless we get a handle on that.”
First is high impact sites, currently required to be on a minimum of 10 acres, and to have restrooms and electricity. These types of campsites currently require a conditional use permit. The city has a low impact designation, which is less defined, but is on a minimum of five acres of land. The Commission hopes to define this designation further, specifically regarding requirements for electricity and bathrooms.
The final camping category, “dry camping” is essentially setting up a tent in the wilderness, on sites less than 2 acres.
The Planning Commission also discussed additional regulations regarding setbacks for campgrounds, specifically as it relates to eyelines, additional noise regulations, and more consideration for zoning.
After discussing these issues and more, the Commission directed city staff to consider revisions to these ordinances, and return with recommendations at a public hearing on February 22.
