obstacles to creating a new nudist resort?

Prometheus · #1 05-03-2003, 10:03 PM

I don't have the money or ability to do so myself, but I was wondering why there aren't more nudist/naturist resorts opening around the country. Are there laws or zoning restrictions that make it difficult, or is there just a lack of interest? What sort of obstacles would one face if one wanted to open a clothing optional resort? I suppose some things would vary by state. Anyone have any ideas?

Prometheus · #2 05-03-2003, 10:03 PM

I don't have the money or ability to do so myself, but I was wondering why there aren't more nudist/naturist resorts opening around the country. Are there laws or zoning restrictions that make it difficult, or is there just a lack of interest? What sort of obstacles would one face if one wanted to open a clothing optional resort? I suppose some things would vary by state. Anyone have any ideas?

Croydon · #3 05-04-2003, 04:58 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Prometheus:
[qb]I don't have the money or ability to do so myself, but I was wondering why there aren't more nudist/naturist resorts opening around the country. Are there laws or zoning restrictions that make it difficult, or is there just a lack of interest? What sort of obstacles would one face if one wanted to open a clothing optional resort? I suppose some things would vary by state. Anyone have any ideas?[/qb]

One can not "just open" a resort. Resorts are not things or interest or hobbies and hence why people open them. You are forgetting that opening a resort is a form of business and the owners are business people seeking to make money. That being said, resorts can not be open anywhere. One of the pricipal rules of opening a business is location. An owner has to find the best location i.e. somewhere people will visit, a place w/ the correct demographic, a place where the local laws will allow such business.

stevenf64 · #4 05-04-2003, 05:00 AM

I cant be sure but probable the same reason there arent more camps or campgrounds starting. The cost of land has gone thru the roof [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] and the number of new laws for opening businesses have skyrocketed also [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] . I know in MA that some exsisting camps are being made to upgrade their septic systems and the old hole in the ground are now barred. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]
I guess it comes down to legal issues and money [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

just my .5 cents [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

mel9122 · #5 05-04-2003, 06:06 AM

hi folks. there is a nude resort that will be comeing on line here in maine this summer. it has taken a lot of dollers and time to make it happen.there are a lot of red tape involved,and law makers to satisfy. mel

Prometheus · #6 05-04-2003, 02:06 PM

I guess I did not phrase my question in exactly the right way. Let's try this again:

Within about 50 miles of where I live, there are a dozen or so recreation clubs, with lakes for swimming and fishing, campsites, etc. Most are fairly private as well. More or less what you would expect from the average nudist resort, but not clothing optional. Assuming the members were agreeable, what other obstacles would the owner of an existing resort face if they wanted to make it clothing optional?

Naturist Mark · #7 05-04-2003, 03:13 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Prometheus:
[qb]Within about 50 miles of where I live, there are a dozen or so recreation clubs, with lakes for swimming and fishing, campsites, etc. ... Assuming the members were agreeable, what other obstacles would the owner of an existing resort face if they wanted to make it clothing optional?[/qb]

The answer is different from State to State and local zoning areas.

For instance, in Arkansas nude recreation is just plain illegal. c) It shall be unlawful for any person, club, camp, corporation, partnership, association, or organization to advocate, demonstrate, or promote nudism, or for any person to rent, lease, or otherwise permit his land, premises, or buildings to be used for the purpose of advocating, demonstrating, or promoting nudism

I'm not sure that any other State has laws specifically pertaining to nude recreation, but many have overeaching laws regulating adult entertainment that may be used against a legitimate social nudist resort.

Generally speaking a nudist campground or resort would only have to meet all regulations and zoning requirements affecting any other campground or resort, except for the addition of having to pay special attention to be sure that their activities don't violate public indecency laws -such as being easily visible from adjacent properties and public lands.

Both AANR (and their regional associations) and TNS can assist groups with the process and with finding experienced legal assistance. It is vital that positive relationships be established with local government and business leaders, and doubly important to have experienced legal representation to deal with zoning and other issues. Unless they are establishing a resort in an area with a history of positive relationships with other nudist clubs (like Pasco County, FLA) someone is going to use local government or the courts to oppose the resort.

Even in the absence of specific laws restricting nudism local officials or even private citizens can delay and harass development on grounds of public nuisance, attractive nuisance, detrimental effect on adjacent property values, increased burden on law enforcement, fire protection, traffic management, water and sewer connections, and the purported loss of peaceful enjoyment of adjacent landowners, plus whatever else a creative opponent can dream up. Count on having to fight something in the courts.