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cxr133's avatar
cxr133
Explorer
Jan 16, 2020

Zoning Law

Hi Guys,


i tried doing a search here and a google search and cant seem to find the information i need. I own my house in SoCal , Northridge Area.
in my backyard i have a RV pad and it is off an alley.

Are they laws against having a sick relative living in a 5th wheel fulltime? and running electric, water. Are there zoning law against this?

The only thing i did find was that i can maybe get a sewer hookup if i label it a clean out plug, correct?

alot of my neighbors have done garage conversions. but i need my garage space.

Thanks in advance
Seeking Advice
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jan 16, 2020
    Zoning is typically done locally.

    Go down to your local city office and ask for a copy of any zoning laws related to RVs and/or living in them.
  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Jan 16, 2020
    In my area, if you are in violation of zoning laws you will be notified, and have time to correct. If it takes a month for somebody to notice, the you have a month to move...
  • cavie's avatar
    cavie
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2020
    Your local town government has a web site with all the answers you need.
  • Campfire_Time's avatar
    Campfire_Time
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2020
    As said you will need to find out what the local laws are. Your alderperson may know already know the answer or be able to point you in the right direction. Often you can do this if you live in a rural area sometimes just getting a permit for it. But in more populated areas it is considered a dwelling if used in this way. Often the best you can do is call the police dept and say someone is staying by you for a week or two. Usually you can't go beyond that.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Jan 16, 2020
    In my upstate NY location, the "RV Dump Station" label issue was related to the local code defining it as a commercial device requiring commercial septic specifications that my residential system wouldn't meet. Labeling it a "4 inch cleanout", which is what the fitting actually is, satisfied the rules and the building inspector regardless of how it would actually be used. It was the building inspector that actually made the label change on the septic system plans I submitted.
  • ItsyRV's avatar
    ItsyRV
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2020
    Depending on your actual Zoning designation. Most of the straight "R" designations in your county does not allow for RV use outside of a "temporary" use. Staying in the RV on your property over the weekend appears to be acceptable, but longer and you may be in violation of Zoning, Building and Fire codes. However, your local AHJ will be the proper source.

    Usually, if it's behind a fence, out of sight, you may get away with it, but it only takes one neighbor to make the call and you could have trouble. So, keep your neighbors happy!
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    Jan 16, 2020
    In many places staying long term in an RV isn’t allowed, however right now much of the west coast states have a housing shortage and officials are looking the other way.
  • cxr133's avatar
    cxr133
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2020
    what about this bill that went into effect in January?

    CA Assembly Bill (AB) 68: Accessory Dwelling Units

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