WILLISTON - City commissioners here took another step this week toward making it illegal for people to live in recreational vehicles outside of a designated RV park, but the ordinance is still being revised.
The Williston City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance Thursday night that would make a violation subject to a $500 per day fine.
Commissioners will continue discussing the ordinance and bring it back for a final vote June 26.
Commissioners are weighing whether to allow RVs in commercial zoning districts or other areas, possibly using a special permitting process and requiring fees. The ordinance also provides some allowances for construction sites to have a limited number of RVs through a permitting process.
The effective date will either be Aug. 1 or Sept. 1 to allow RV parks that are under construction time to be completed.
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City officials say the RVs scattered throughout Williston pose health and safety risks and the ordinance attempts to take control over the situation. Opponents say the ordinance will leave many people with no place to go and drive away necessary employees.
Rent for many of the RV parks ranges from $600 to $1,000 or more per month.
Dalrymple is a Forum Communications Co. reporter stationed in the Oil Patch.
