NEBRASKA CITY – Otoe County commissioners put the brakes on the backyard sharing trend, known as Hipcamp, saying the county zoning laws regulate RV and tent camping.

Tyson Franzen proposes opening up his land near Palmyra for a few overnight tents, but Zoning Administrator David Schmitz said county zoning does not allow people to charge fees for camping in agricultural zones.

David Schmitz: “He needed a conditional use permit approval in order to operate this facility, this campground.”

The state Legislature passed a law last year allowing short-term rentals, such as AirBnB rooms, in cities and villages. Franzen expects the law to be amended soon to include rural areas.

Franzen: “It essentially says they want, the state wants to protect that aspect of tourism because it brings a lot of people in through the state.”

State tourism officials estimate that 46,000 guests came to Nebraska last year under short-term rental agreements, but Otoe County Attorney Jennifer Panko-Rahe said Hipcamp does not fit into Otoe County regulations.

Panko-Rahe: “I think this most fits as a campground and there are not only requirements for paving, driving, in the drive areas you have to have rock, you have to have electrical sites, you have to have bathroom facilities, sanitary facilities. My understanding, none of those facilities are available.”

Dan Hodges, chairman of the county Planning Commission, said the idea of Hipcamps is welcome in the county.

Hodges: “It’s something new and, sure, we’re willing to work with Tyson to come up with something that would fit our regulations. We’re going to have to adapt our regulations, but that takes several months.”

Commissioner James Parsons said steps need to be taken to ensure orderly use of backyard sharing.

Parsons: “I don’t disagree with your idea, I just think you’ve kind of got a ways to go yet before we are there. I’m glad you’re pursuing it in Otoe County. I really am.”

Schmitz said if the state Legislature approves short-term rentals for rural areas, he would recommend that the county include the use in its flex zones, which are primarily around major highways.