North Dakota Oil Patch County Cracks Down on New Crew Camps

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — The Williams County Commission has adopted new rules that are intended to phase out temporary housing, including crew camps, RV and trailer parks and modular homes.

The Williston Herald reports commission voted Tuesday to adopt the new guidelines that put restrictions on new or renewed applications for temporary housing starting Aug. 1.

Commissioners say they don't want to completely ban temporary housing because they fear it could increase apartment and permanent housing costs.

Data show that Williams County has at least 18 total temporary housing facilities. But the number of beds at the facilities has dropped from about 8,000 in 2012 to less than 4,200 at present.