RV ownership is rising with the passing of time as there are over 10 million RVs on the road at present. This substantial number of RVs has created opportunities for people to open their own RV Parks. An RV Park or a compound is an area where people having recreational vehicles can park their vehicles for a night or longer stays at given sites or locations. If you want to start your own RV park or an RV campsite, there are requirements for the zoning of these sites according to the location where you want to set up.
Requirement of a Permit/ License
The regulations and rules for zoning an RV park are different for every state, country, and city depending upon the structures and outlooks of these sites/parks. It is allowed to park your RV on your land and no permits will be needed for that. However, if you want to set up a campsite or an RV park for other RVs as well, then a license or a campsite permit would be required.
A lot of factors go into consideration to figure out what kind of permit or license is required. These factors include, if you want to welcome other RVs, campers, motorhomes, or trailers, to stay on your land, the services, and facilities you will be providing them, and the time period you plan to keep your campsite open for all. These factors will assess the kind of permit you need for this. This also depends on the number of vehicles you are planning to accommodate and the number of facilities you are going to provide. If the plan and the campsite are basic, and the facilities are limited to none, then there might be no need for a license. The owners of these campsites do not provide any facilities other than space for parking and the RV guests have to bring their own things.
If you want to build your own campground which provides basic facilities such as power connection, sewer connection, drinking water, telephone connection, television, and/or Wi-Fi then you would require a permit from your local government.
Regulations and Zoning
For starting a campsite business, you will need to register this business with your State’s Department and apply for a Federal Tax Identification number. The laws and regulations for each state and city are different and are made in the interest of fair business and public safety.
Talking about Zoning which is required in this kind of business is the process in which the government divides an area of land into different zones and restricts them for a specific purpose such as agriculture, campsite business, industrial areas, residential uses, and so on. And for this, you will have to contact your local city zoning board or office about the rules that may apply to your land/area. In the case where there are no local zoning laws, State’s and country’s regulations will be followed. Opening an RV Park in Midwest has comparatively lesser strict laws for zoning than in places like San Diego or San Francisco. If you want freedom from strict zoning laws and regulations, then mid-America is the best location for setting up a permanent RV site. For instance, in the US, the city of Houston has no zoning ordinances and people can easily set up their campsites there.
Zoning Verification Procedure
The procedure of zoning verification approval varies with location. In this, you need to submit a request to a zoning enforcement officer or a building inspector of your area who will make a decision for you based on your local zoning laws and regulations. If they deny your permit, then you can try and appeal to the local zoning board. They will make a decision keeping in view the impact this campsite would have on the neighborhood and the difficulties this business may face.
Kind of Zoning Required for an RV Park or Campsite/ground
And RV Park business fall in the commercial or recreational category, however, most of the time, residential zoning is done for motorhomes, mobile homes, and RVs.
California
California State is a notable example as it is one of the best states for traveling and outdoor enthusiasts. The regulations vary from location to location within this state. In countries like Costa, Napa, Sonoma, etc. The RVs are permitted to keep as “caregiver dwellings” which allow mobile houses or houses on wheels in the backyard of people who may need some assistance. However, Los Angeles is not progressive in this regard as they seized the RVs that were made for homeless people. Although they agreed on giving those RVs back, the government is not agreeing on making Parks or campsites for them.
Massachusetts
The laws of state of Massachusetts have now made zoning laws that allow its residents to build and drive resident vehicles. Furthermore, Massachusetts’s attorney general office approved a change in the law under the residential zoning law which now allows the building of RV parks under 500 square feet in several districts of the state. The requirement for building these sites includes that these must have a water connection, and electricity hookups, and must be fixed to fitted foundations due to Massachusetts being a hurricane-prone area.
Florida
Florida is one of the most advanced states in terms of allowing the development of RVs and RV parks. An initiative by the state led its cities to consider the establishment of two zoning districts for resident vehicle parks named: redevelopment mixed-use district RMU and planned unit development PUD. Moreover, they gave recognition to homes on wheels, and RVs and made them legal while keeping some limits.
New York
New York opened its first-ever micro-apartment building for residents this recent year and following this, the mayor of the city has made the zoning policies relaxed making it possible for people to build homes or apartments under 400 square feet of area which also legalized RVs in this city. Though, there are many RVs that can be found in this city, no town in NYC has made official regulations for allowing the establishment of RV parks.
Ending Remarks
As these RVs are becoming increasingly popular with time, the governments of different states have still not made policies for these types of tiny homes and their campsites. Many areas still do not allow RVs and the building of RV parks so, if you are intending to build an RV park, be aware of the local restrictions and the requirements your state imposes on such a business.
FAQs
How to find zoning information about RVs?
To find zoning laws and information about RVs, you have to locate your country’s or city’s zoning department that deals with zoning and land use.
How many acres are needed for an RV park?
A general rule states that an RV park must have 10 sites per acre. However, some of the areas limit the number of sites between 10 to 15 sites. Different regions' regulations give minimum and maximum measurements for how wide and long each site should be for the RV Park.
What is the cost of opening an RV Park?
The cost to build an RV park from the start is between the US $15,000-$50,000 per site to get it fully functional. If you are adding more facilities then it may cost you more.
Citations
https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67-rehabbing-house-flipping/topics/214226-building-an-rv-park-advice-needed
https://forum.mobilehomeuniversity.com/t/zoning-on-rv-overnights/22395
https://www.city-data.com/forum/camping-rving/2241375-rv-living-your-own-property-2.html
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