The following just happened to a fellow RVer and friend of mine. I am posting this to let others know and to suggest that if you are as angered by this anti-RV ordinance as I am, then please contact the Van Horn, TX Convention and Visitors Bureau to let them know your thoughts.
Brenda Hinojos, Senior Events Coordinator: brenda@vanhorncvb.com
Patricia Golden, Events Coordinator: patriciagolden@vanhorntexas.org
"RV'ers traveling east and west on I-10 in west Texas, take note. You can not, and will be fined, for camping overnight at the truck stops in Van Horn, Texas. I pulled into the truck stop parking area [where he has stayed many times before], right behind Mc Donalds, early this morning for a much needed rest, short nap and breakfast. When I awoke 2 hours later at 7am, there was a ticket taped to my windshield. Violation of City of Van Horn ordinance 12/12.010. Fine of $85 payable by money order only."
Here's the link to the municipal Anti-RV ordinance:
http://library.munic...statename=Texas
In particular notice section B-2 which specifies RVs:
12.12.030 - Definitions.
A. The term "public area" shall mean an outdoor area to which the public has access and includes, but is not limited to, streets, highways, parks, parking lots, alleyways, pedestrian ways, vacant or uninhabited lots or parcels of land, rights-of-way, and the common areas of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, service stations, transport facilities, churches and shops.
B. The term "camp" means to use a public area for living accommodation purposes for a period of time in excess of four (4) consecutive hours, for activities such as, but not limited to, the following:
1. Sleeping, or making preparations to sleep, including the laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping;
2. Parking of a motor vehicle, motor home, or trailer for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy;
12.12.040 - Regulations and restrictions on camping.
A. Except in designated areas or in areas in which prior written permission has been granted by the owner or agent in charge of the real property, it shall be unlawful for any person to camp within the city limits of the town of Van Horn, Texas.
B. The activities listed in Section 12.12.030 of this chapter shall constitute camping when it reasonably appears, in light of all the circumstances, that the participants, in conducting these activities, are in fact using the area for living, sleeping, or overnight accommodation purposes regardless of the intent of the participants or the nature of any other activities in which they may also be engaging.
Sherry
RV-spirit
12/6/11 Note from Moderator: Patricia Golden's e-mail address corrected per her post this date.
Brett
