El Reno could have a new recreational vehicle park along Route 66 if a recommendation by the city planning commission is accepted.
Members of the El Reno Municipal Planning Commission Tuesday considered a request for a conditional use permit from Abe Schellenberg, the owner of El Reno Supply. Members unanimously approved the request, paving the way for its consideration by City Council at its Dec. 1 meeting.
Schellenberg said if his proposal is approved by Council, he would open an RV park for about 24 vehicles at the large area adjacent to his current supply business, located at 1508 S. Rock Island Ave. The 13.38-acre site already features a large pond; Schellenberg told the commission he planned to situate the RV sites along the pond and add landscaping to create a park-like setting. Each site will have electrical hook-ups, he said, and he plans to promote the business to travelers with vehicles up to 45 feet.
The property is zoned light industrial. Robert Coleman, El Reno community development director, said the city had no formal procedures governing RV sites in commercially zoned areas.
“This is kind of like a test case where we''ll be breaking new ground,” he said. “This will help us in future cases if we get a similar request.”
Commissioners expressed interest in Schellenberg''s idea and said they wanted to encourage the business proposal. Although there are two existing RV parks in El Reno, they said sometimes there is a shortage of space for mobile travelers.
“This is a great thing coming into our city – visitors can see it, and it sounds like it will improve this area and make it really attractive with the pond and the landscaping,” said Councilman Mark Gilmore, who sits on the commission.
“We have people who come in with five, 10 and even 20 vehicles who come to the (Canadian County Historical) museum,” Commissioner Vicki Proctor said. “They really only have a few places they can stay, so this would be ideal.”
Planning commission members recommended the following conditions for allowing the RV park:
uThe northernmost driveway approach must align with the El Reno Estates Mobile Home Park entrance and conform with the El Reno Street Standards Manual and the Driveway Policy;
uTemporary restroom facilities must be available at opening and permanent restroom facilities must be available within one year of opening that feature at least two lavatories, two showers and two water closets for each gender;
uA gravel driveway is allowed for main access through the park provided it is constructed of at least 4 inches of compacted gravel;
uLighting should be installed to industry standards;
uA minimum 50 amp electrical service is required for each space;
uMust have at least seven trees within front building line that conforms to the El Reno Landscape Ordinance;
uThe minimum size of the plot of ground intended to accommodate an RV or other camping unit shall be a minimum of 1,500 square feet and shall not be less than 15 feet wide; and
uA graveled vehicle parking pad of at least 12'x20' shall be provided for each RV site. A minimum of 1½ parking spaces shall be provided per side with at least one parking space at the site. All required parking shall be graveled (minimum). In addition, a 12-foot-wide graveled path shall be provided from the road to the pad and parking.
Schellenberg said he hoped to work hand in hand with the city to make the RV park not only a money-making business for himself, but a benefit for El Reno.
“We want this to be something that helps pulls in visitors from all over – so they can see the city and spend time here,” he said.