The City of Woodland took a final step on Monday, May 19, to bring long-term RV residents out of legal limbo, voting unanimously to rezone Woodland Shores RV Park to allow year-round residency.
The decision makes Woodland Shores the first RV park to gain approval under a 2024 ordinance permitting rezoning to neighborhood commercial (C-3), the only zoning classification in the city that allows permanent RV residency.
“I just wanna say again that I am just so excited that this is finally coming to a closure,” Councilmember Melissa Doughty said during the meeting. “This is something that I started several years ago now.”
Doughty reflected on early conversations she had with city staff, including Community Development Director Travis Goddard, about protecting established parks like Woodland Shores as new developments entered the city.
“We wanted to make sure that what you had stayed,” she said, referring to Woodland Shores residents in attendance. “I’m just so excited for you guys to have finally come up with something that gives you guys a sense of security that moving forward, you guys have your home to feel secure about.”
The rezoning applies to the 57-lot Woodland Shores RV Park, located at the corner of Millard and A streets near the Lewis River. The park has existed since 1992 but, until now, operated under a highway commercial (C-2) zoning designation that limited stays to 90 days.
Though many residents lived there year-round, their status was not protected under city code.
That changed in August 2024, when the council passed an ordinance allowing RV park owners to apply for rezoning. Woodland Shores was the first to do so, submitting an application that passed through the Planning Commission and then the council for a two-step approval process.
Several residents attended Monday’s meeting to show support, including veteran Nathan Bardue, who described the park’s role in helping him stabilize his life.
“I went through a hard time, and this place gives me a stable, safe, clean place to live,” Bardue said. “I’m employed, I’ve got access to health care at the VA … and it’s been a godsend for me.”
Councilmember Gabe Huston praised the reputation of the RV park and its residents.
“I’ve seen that place since they opened, and it’s always just looked good, run well,” he said. “That’s what a good business looks like. They’ve done a great job over the years.”
Noting the meeting’s large turnout, Mayor Todd Dinehart urged residents to stay involved in civic decisions beyond this specific vote.
“I would hope that even if there’s not something that is, you know, exciting to you, please attend, come, be part of this dialogue,” Dinehart said. “Because everyone does have a voice in our community.”
With the vote finalized, Woodland Shores becomes the first park officially recognized for year-round RV living under city zoning law. Future applications from other parks will require the same public process and council approval.
