Zoning that restricts RV use on your own land

Alabama Jim wrote:
So sad, government sometimes controls too much.

Its not 'the government.' Its people. People like to get angry about things, usually insignificant things. So they complain about everything they don't like and politicians get tired of the complaining. So the locals vote in a new ordinance. And then they get to go around and search for people to rat out.

I had a neighbor that did that. He really liked controlling everyone else's lives. I'm so glad I don't live there any longer and I hope the people that bought my house are giving him hell.

smkettner wrote:
Instead of flying under the radar I recommend talking politely with the county and asking what they recommend for your situation. There might be no agreeable solution in which case it may be time to sell. These things should be investigated before you buy next time.

You might own the land but it does not mean you can do as you please.

This. Zoning has it's uses in my world too as long as it makes sense.

As for the OP I can only suppose you do not live in the unincorporated area since you dinna answer my question.

Know the the regs, before you buy and watch your local officials carefully after you buy,

;)

If the regulations were in affect before you purchased the land, you have no legitimate gripe.

If they were not, did you let your dismay be known before the new regulations were passed? Although sometimes there is nothing you can do to stop it. :(


I don't like zoning and I don't like being told what I can or can't do on my own acreage. So far, so good at my home base. I live in a very rural area, however, over the years, the suburbs and the elitists are slowly approaching. :M

Instead of flying under the radar I recommend talking politely with the county and asking what they recommend for your situation. There might be no agreeable solution in which case it may be time to sell. These things should be investigated before you buy next time.

You might own the land but it does not mean you can do as you please.

In all but the worst winter weather, we continue to live in our RV on our full hookup site when we stay at our Adirondack cottage from time to time throughout the year. Invariably, every year a summer seasonal neighbor, usually a renter, complains to the town code enforcement officer about it, and the officer has to explain to them that it's perfectly legal in this part of the town. Sometimes they even bring him copies of their own home town ordinances to "prove" that he's wrong and we should be cited. He and I get a good chuckle out of it when we see each other at the local diner we both favor.

"..... it can be argued that the RV is a work vehicle, a necessary requirement for the job, and not used as a recreational vehicle. Don't know if that line of reasoning will fly but it's all I got right now."

Yeah, good look with that one. :B

I'll give you a good laugh
2012 went back to Indiana to visit family
I was parked in front of my brother's place
He left for the July 4th week, family vacation
New Neighbor across the street called the cops and complained
The small town where I grew up has an ordinance against campers on the street
So we moved to the local state park
My brother comes home finds out what happen, talks to the powers that be
And finds out any place on property off street is legal
He trimmed the biggest limb on his biggest tree
And we spent 6 weeks parked on his front lawn in full view of his neighbor
My brother died 3 months later of his colon cancer
He didn't give a **** what the new neighbor across the street thought
He lived there almost 30 years, he was only 62.. I'm sorry he gone
But we had a great visit and was glad to see him before he passed
Ill considerate people are the reason for most zoning regulations
Know the the regs, before you buy and watch your local officials carefully after you buy,
Stay involved in you community

Thanks for the replies. I am going to first try the storing angle and will build a small cabin of 120 sq ft, avoiding building permit requirements, and claim that is where I stay and not the RV. Although I will be running the RV generator and solar power into the cabin, I hope they won't insist that constitutes RV camping use. There may also be a work around in that if you get a septic and building permit you can then get a temporary occupancy permit for the RV that will last the term of the building permits (one year). If you don't build you can then extend for another year for $29. The problem with this is assuming you can extend off into the future, not to mention the several thousand dollars you'll expend getting the building permits. There is a section in the regulations that defines "camping unit" as a pick up camper, travel trailer or RV designed for and used specifically for recreational purposes. Because I frequently do gate watchman work, it can be argued that the RV is a work vehicle, a necessary requirement for the job, and not used as a recreational vehicle. Don't know if that line of reasoning will fly but it's all I got right now. The property is over an hour from the regulators and there is very little development here, zoned agricultural, so if I can stay under their radar I may be able to get in a few Summers enjoyment before it gets ugly.

Common, but silly.
To repeat another question, have you received a citation or complaint, or any other measure whereby the County has "busted" you?
It can't be that hard to contest the notion that you're living in it or camping in it...unless you've already admitted to it.

Knowledge of the local ordinances (in their entirety) and state statutes will help you in this matter. They're not complicated if you just take time to read and cross-reference. For example, anyone in FL can shoot guns in their backyard as long as they comply with the rules of safety (as defined by the FL Statutes). Many localities had conflicted with this until the state mandated that they repeal any such ordinances. But you'll never see a sign when you enter a new town that says "welcome to XXXX, where you can shoot in your backyard"

Know the rules, know the exceptions, know the exemptions...know these things better than your local dictators. If you're not interested in knowing these things, then this matter obviously isn't that important to you.

I would be upset also. Many people place a TT and use it as a fish camp or hunting camp. So sad, government sometimes controls too much. I understand they don't want land to become a dumping ground for trailers, but surely they could let you sign a permit or avidavit stating it is your land and your trailer and will not be utilized for illegal purposes.