STURGIS, S.D. – Following months of work and public comments, the Sturgis City Council passed second and final reading of their revised residential camping ordinance Monday night.

Sturgis City Attorney Eric Davis says the ordinance now defines the Rally Window to include the official Rally dates, plus seven days before and three days after. Otherwise, Davis told the council it remains the same basic framework previously discussed, with a narrow new provision allowing expanded non-Rally camping by permit, added in response to discussion about larger residential properties that may be suitable for occasional, limited, non-commercial camping outside the Rally context.

Davis says that expanded non-Rally permit provision is intended to be distinct from commercial Rally camping. It would remain non-commercial and would be reviewed primarily for lot size, lot layout, access, parking, sanitation, emergency access and neighborhood compatibility.

Davis told the council he did not believe the limited changes made between first and second reading are substantial enough to require the ordinance process to restart with another first reading.

The council approved second reading on a vote of 6-1 with Mark Chaplin the lone no vote.

Chaplin expressed concern with the seven days before Rally window included in the ordinance.