Athabasca County Council has conducted its first reading of the Draft Temporary Camping Bylaw (Bylaw 017-2016).
This now initiates the gathering of thoughts and ideas of residents about the proposed bylaw. The proposed Land Use Bylaw and Temporary Camping Bylaw together set out the new rules for camping in Athabasca County. This webpage and downloadable PDF summarizes how these bylaws affect RV camping.
Temporary Camping Bylaw explained
Temporary RV camping will be allowed by obtaining a registration certificate. These rules apply to residential parcels of private land, not campgrounds or halls exempted by the County.
Temporary RV camping means infrequent and short camping sessions, with a registration certificate but no permits
Temporary RV Camping will be allowed by registering a camping session with the County (see chart below):
- on a specific parcel of land
- for a specific date range of up to 8 days
- Up to four separate sessions per year
- Up to 8 RVs per acre of land.
Temporary RV camping registration will be free, and does not require a sewage disposal permit or development permit, and is allowed in addition to any Permanent RVs which have obtained the necessary permits.
Permanent RV Camping explained
Permanent RV camping is allowed on private land with a sewage disposal permit and development permit. These rules apply to residential parcels of private land, not campgrounds.
PERMANENT RV CAMPING MEANS frequent or lengthy camping sessions, with a sewage disposal permit and development permit
The number of Permanent RVs allowed is based on where the parcel is located, parcel size and whether or not there is a dwelling on the parcel (see chart below).
In the Agriculture and Rural Use districts:
- 2 Permanent RVs are allowed on parcels less than 5 acres
- 3 Permanent RVs are allowed on parcels between 5 and 80 acres
- 5 Permanent RVs are allowed on parcels larger than 80 acres
In the Country Residential district near a major or less developed lake, or in East Park (north of Ellscott), Mystic Meadow Estates and Wandering River Valley Estates:
- 1 Permanent RV is allowed on parcels less than 1 acre with a dwelling
- 2 Permanent RVs are allowed on parcels less than 1 acre without a dwelling
- 3 Permanent RVs are allowed on parcels larger than 1 acre with or without a dwelling
In either a Temporary or Permanent RV Camping scenario these bylaws will help ensure sewage from RVs is disposed of in an appropriate manner.
How to provide your input or ideas
The Temporary Camping Bylaw and the Land Use Bylaw are both in the consultation stage. This means they are both open for discussion and ideas are being accepted by the County before second or third readings take place.
E-MAIL – Concerns or comments about the bylaw can be submitted via email to: landusereview@athabascacounty.com They will be included as part of record for the public consultation process for the Land Use Bylaw review.
LETTER – Drop letters off at the Athabasca County Administration Office, 3602 – 48 Avenue, Athabasca, AB T9S 1M8.
TELEPHONE – If you wish to speak with a member of the County Planning Department by telephone please call 780-675-2273 | 1-844-662-2273.
View draft Temporary Camping Bylaw
Paper copies of the draft bylaws are also available from the Athabasca County Administration Office, 3602 – 48 Avenue, Athabasca, AB T9S 1M8.
