For the purpose of this article, the following definitions should apply:

(a)   Camper, Recreational Vehicle (RV), or Other Similar Temporary Dwelling shall mean any motor vehicle, trailer or similar structure designed or used for temporary living accommodations, including but not limited to travel trailers, motor homes, fifth-wheel trailers, and truck campers.

(b)   Permanent Residence shall mean any dwelling that is:

(1)   Continuously occupied for more than 7 days; or

(2)   Occupied for more than 30 days in a calendar year.

(c)   Temporary Use shall mean a limited period not exceeding 7 consecutive days, with a maximum of 30 days in a calendar year, during which a camper, RV or other similar temporary dwelling may be used for habitation under the exceptions set forth at Section 4-403.

(Ord. 2027)

(a)   No camper, RV or other similar temporary dwelling shall be used as a permanent residence within the city limits of the City of Russell, Kansas.

(b)   It shall be unlawful for any person to reside in a camper, RV or other similar temporary dwelling on any public or private property except as provided in the exceptions set forth in Section 4-403 below.

(Ord. 2027)

The following temporary uses shall be permitted under this Article.

(a)   Temporary Use. A camper, RV or similar temporary dwelling may be occupied for up to 7 consecutive days when lawfully parked on private property with the owner's consent, except that no more than 30 days total per calendar year shall be allowed. No rental or compensation may be exchanged for such use.

(b)   Use in Campgrounds & RV Parks:

(1)   Campers and RVS may be lawfully occupied within campgrounds, RV parks, or mobile home parks that comply with City zoning regulations.

(c)   Construction or Renovation Use:

(1)   A property owner or contractor may temporarily use a camper, RV or other similar temporary dwelling, as a dwelling during the construction or renovation of a permanent structure, provided a valid building permit and a temporary use permit have been issued.

(2)   Within 20 days after said completion of the construction or renovation the RV or camper shall no longer be used as a dwelling or for habitation.

(3)   A temporary permit must be obtained from the City prior to occupation. The permit shall be for up to 180 days, but no longer than 20 days after completion of the construction or renovation. The temporary permit may be extended upon city council approval.

(d)   Emergency Hardship Use:

(1)   The City Council may grant a temporary hardship use permit for individuals who have suffered a natural disaster, fire, or other emergency.

(2)   Permits shall be issued for a period not exceeding 90 days, with possible extensions upon City council's approval.

(e)   City staff shall develop and implement the permitting process to apply for and issue a temporary construction or renovation permit and for a temporary hardship use permit.

(Ord. 2027)

(a)   The City Building Official, and such other officials designated by the City Manager, shall be responsible for enforcing this Article.

(b)   Violation and Penalties:

(1)   Any person found to be in violation of this Article shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment, for not more than 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for each offense.

(2)   The Municipal Court may order as part of the sentencing the removal of each camper, RV or other temporary dwelling in violation of this Article at the owner's expense.

(3)   For the purposes of this Article, a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which such violation is permitted to exist.

(Ord. 2027)