Camping on my lot against zoning law

[horizons196]

Greetings I’m new to the forum and enjoying it alot, however I can’t find an answer anywhere. What will happen to me when cops say I can’t live here. It’s on my lot in a small town of 10k. There’s No house, just a garage with electric. Ive lived in this camper in plain view for 5 months now. I park in the driveway, fill the tank with my neighbors hose and empty the septic in my drain with no complaints. it’s great so far, just not zoned for camper living. Will I get a fine, ordinance violation, or just a warning? How long would I have to leave? I’m so worried I’ve buried my power line and sealed my windows.

[Grit_dog]

" I’m so worried I’ve buried my power line and sealed my windows. "

^WTH does this mean anyway?
OP hasn't been back in 2 days for something that appeared to be a pressing matter for him.
Breakin' the law? Yeah he already knows that. Bringing down the neighborhood? Doubt it or he wouldn't have been able to Cousin Eddy it near this long.

Just more RVnet entertainment...

[magicbus]

Me thinks I smell a troll...

Dave

[ppine]

I know a guy that has lived in a motorhome on his 5 acre property for years. It is strictly illegal, but is hidden in the trees. He keeps a low profile.

It helps to know your neighbors.

[B_O__Plenty]

riven1950 wrote:
Don't poke the bear. Sure way to be moving. Depends on the neighborhood, but if no complaints from neighbors you may be ok, not legal but ok. You can always research penalties online or in person, they are public records, or ask an attorney.

I agree. Leave well enough alone.
If they chose to do something it will most likely be to put an end to it. keep the place neat and tidy, don't give neighbors cause to complain and enjoy it while you can.

B.O.

[JRscooby]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

The OP has gotten a "free ride" for 5 months.

If he can do that - why not others?

Surprised at the replies encouraging him to be a scofflaw!..:(

Time to stop being a freeloader, be an honest citizen of whatever community - or *move* (to an RV park, or?)...:S

~

On a site that is often saying the sites at Walmart should be reserved for the more well off, how can we discourage the idea of somebody staying on their own lot?. What sign do we have that he is not paying the required "rent" to the city/state/county?

[ol_Bombero-JC]

fj12ryder wrote:

JRscooby wrote:

sayoung wrote:
If the OP is using a sewer connection and is not paying a water bill, in my town that's a " theft of service " as the sewer fee is part of the water bill. The neighbor must be a relative and used to him " mooching " stuff like the water. I say get it moved.

Not sure about that " theft of service " stuff, if the neighbor has agreed to using their water. I would think it would cost the same for the water to go down neighbor's drain, and the bill is getting paid...

If water and sewer are separate bills then if he's not paying a sewer bill and using the sewer drain, then "theft of services" could very well apply. However most sewer bills are collected by threatening to disconnect the water. Since he has no water connection...

I kind of feel since he's living within the city limits, and paying for no city services, he's kind of a leech. All take but no give.

Well said.

The OP has gotten a "free ride" for 5 months.

If he can do that - why not others?

Surprised at the replies encouraging him to be a scofflaw!..:(

Time to stop being a freeloader, be an honest citizen of whatever community - or *move* (to an RV park, or?)...:S

~

[fj12ryder]

JRscooby wrote:

sayoung wrote:
If the OP is using a sewer connection and is not paying a water bill, in my town that's a " theft of service " as the sewer fee is part of the water bill. The neighbor must be a relative and used to him " mooching " stuff like the water. I say get it moved.

Not sure about that " theft of service " stuff, if the neighbor has agreed to using their water. I would think it would cost the same for the water to go down neighbor's drain, and the bill is getting paid...

If water and sewer are separate bills then if he's not paying a sewer bill and using the sewer drain, then "theft of services" could very well apply. However most sewer bills are collected by threatening to disconnect the water. Since he has no water connection...

I kind of feel since he's living within the city limits, and paying for no city services, he's kind of a leech. All take but no give.

[fj12ryder]

sayoung wrote:
If the OP is using a sewer connection and is not paying a water bill, in my town that's a " theft of service " as the sewer fee is part of the water bill. The neighbor must be a relative and used to him " mooching " stuff like the water. I say get it moved.

Not everywhere combines sewer and water bill. So theft of services wouldn't necessarily apply, and he hasn't said he doesn't pay a sewer bill. Of course he hasn't said whether that "drain" goes to a sewer main.

[JRscooby]

sayoung wrote:
If the OP is using a sewer connection and is not paying a water bill, in my town that's a " theft of service " as the sewer fee is part of the water bill. The neighbor must be a relative and used to him " mooching " stuff like the water. I say get it moved.

Not sure about that " theft of service " stuff, if the neighbor has agreed to using their water. I would think it would cost the same for the water to go down neighbor's drain, and the bill is getting paid...

[sayoung]

If the OP is using a sewer connection and is not paying a water bill, in my town that's a " theft of service " as the sewer fee is part of the water bill. The neighbor must be a relative and used to him " mooching " stuff like the water. I say get it moved.

[mich800]

That question is like asking if I will get a ticket if I speed. It all depends on if you get caught and how severe the out of compliance is/was.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

In our area, all trailer-homes need to be skirted, for starters; and single-wides must be phased out.

A zoning violation usually gets an official warning letter, giving you 10 days to comply. After that, the fines get levied/unpaid fines gain penalties and interest, etc

And quite frankly, if that "drain" you're dumping into isn't hooked to a sewer or septic tank, I'd turn you in, in the blink of an eye. Storm drains dump into local bodies of water, so you would be creating a health hazard.

[Lynnmor]

You should be able to get the local laws and read them yourself. Those laws are the only thing that can be enforced by those in charge. My municipality has them online so they can be read without alarming enforcement officers.

[wa8yxm]

Will I get a fine... Most likely

Many communities have laws or ordiances against RV parking

Solution.. Two fold
1: Build a barn (a much larger garage) big enough the RV is parked inside and not visible from the outside.. They need a warrant to enter the Barn.. Add some furniture to the inside of the barn so you can have lunch outside the RV (A picnic table? No a "kitchen" type table. a TV a small Dorm fridge. that kind of thing.

2: Get your own well or water supply.

[covered_wagon]

I say why wake anyone up also.

Many times in building permit applications there were requirements that couldn't be met. The cool people down at city hall made it look good on the paper work for me and owners and said just don't wake anyone up by saying anything.

City governments always give a warning first so don't worry.