Complaints drudge up obscure ordinance on use of campers

MADISON, S.D. (AP) — An increasing number of primarily social media complaints from residents in Madison and Lake County have brought to light a little-known county ordinance banning people from occupying their campers or recreational vehicles outside of a campground.

Lake County Planning and Zoning Officer Mandi Anderson said the ordinance has gone undetected for many years until a recent barrage of postings that have led to heated debate among residents. Some who are opposed to the rule say it infringes on property rights and there should be nothing wrong with letting visitors use a camper for a short time.

“I didn’t realize it was this out of hand,” Anderson said.

One theory for the ordinance, Anderson said, is that people who construct large lakeside homes on small lots do not want to be inundated with noise from adjoining property when three campers pull in for the weekend and 50 people take up temporary residence, The Madison Daily Leader reported.

Anderson said citations are only issued if the matter is not addressed after the property owner has been notified about the ordinance and has been given an opportunity to comply. She emphasized she does not drive around looking for violators, but only responds to complaints.

She noted it’s often not possible to determine whether a camper or RV is parked or in use.