Buying An RV Lot

[Ricebug]

We're looking at buying an RV lot somewhere in Western Washington. I see a lot of properties with the caveat that you can only live there X number of days per year. Other properties don't mention it.

Is it a seasonal thing? I figure if it's mine I should be able to live there all year 'round. What say you?

Terry & Sherry

[DownTheAvenue]

Ricebug wrote:


Is it a seasonal thing? I figure if it's mine I should be able to live there all year 'round. What say you?

I say you better check very carefully all of the covenants and restrictions before you buy to be sure the lot suits your needs.

Often, the rule not allowing full time residency satisfies local zoning laws.

[beemerphile1]

The building codes and government regulations are very different for a temporary residence and a permanent residence. The parks are kept temporary to avoid the government getting involved.

Walk around and you will probably see license plates on all those park models which haven't moved in ten or twenty years. They have to stay a vehicle and not a house.

[RoyB]

It is all based on the local county ZONING LAWS. You need to contact them for the county laws you are wanting to live in. If they don't provide for what you are wanting to do then your only recourse is to move somewhere else...

In our Virginia County no one is allowed to 'LIVE' in an RV except at a State licensed Trailer Park place. You also cannot purchase a piece of land or lot and live in a RV until you get your house built etc... We are however allowed to park the RV on our property.

Roy Ken

[mowermech]

Like it or not, when you buy a piece of land, you agree to abide by the existing rules and regulations. It doesn't matter if said rules and regulations are due to an HOA or CCRs or state laws or county laws, you have to abide by them.
So, it behooves you to make sure you are aware of all such rules before signing on the dotted line!
Keep in mind that if there are CCRs, but no HOA, there is quite likely no one to enforce the CCRs. Local law enforcement usually has no authority to enforce CCRs. That is precisely our situation; while there are a few CCRs, there is no one with enforcement authority, so we (and our neighbors) can ignore them with total immunity!

[Ricebug]

Thanks for the quick reply. We're trying to get in Olympia/Tumwater area.

Like all things, I'm sure it has to do with $$.

[fj12ryder]

Some "RV Lots" are basically just rentals. You're paying for the privilege of camping on that spot for X number of days. You don't really "own" anything, kind of like "owning" a time share.

This is one of those things where you really need to do some serious research on the particular place you're interested in, if you find one. Due diligence can save you some problems later.

[Marine_By_Choic]

While I totally agree with you I do understand (I think) the reasoning. We are actually looking at more properties today at Port Susan Camping Club west of Marysville, WA.

The reasoning is that, the way it was explained to me, is if it is limited to 180 days per year then it is not governed by numerous laws that govern towns or cities. As a "camping club" there ARE many rules (52 pages!), but municipal codes are not in place.

Where are yiu looking?