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.

Well this "discussion" is going to be pretty worthless.Not knowing WHAT small town or county you live IN......nobody will be able to give you a good answer.I suggest that you contact the municipal or county zoning office......and don't put much stock in ANY answer you get here.

First, calm down. Pay a visit to the code enforcement office of your town or county. Ask your questions calmly so you don't upset them. Often yelling at employees of such departments is a crime. They may have a suggestion or they may not, but your post indicates you are not handling this well. Good luck and let us know how things go. There is a better place to post this. Look for a general discussion forum in the list. This one is for technical questions about the entire website.

You dont say where you are located, some areas have strict rules, some are pretty lax. Can you run water and sewer to a small bathroom in your garage? That may alleviate the problem since you could claim you are using the facilities in the garage. And it would help you as well since you could tap them for your trailer.

I think you would get a better, more accurate answer, by taking cekkk's advice.Now, I get it, you don't want to highlight yourself. But, asking someone on the internet, without even disclosing where you are at, is not going to yield an accurate answer. I would be willing to bet that, in a town of 10K, likely there is NO ONE, who lives where you live, so any answer you get is pure speculation.Mike

If you switched places with your neighbors would you be happy with the situation? I wouldn’t like what you are doing at all. There is no free lunch. Your neighbor is paying for your water. Time to make your own way. Most cities have a sewer fee. Because there is no house on your property doesn’t entitle you free sewers. The citizens of your town are subsidizing you on the sewer issue.

Camping on my lot against zoning law | Good Sam Community

Sam_Spade
Explorer
Aug 18, 2019
Well this "discussion" is going to be pretty worthless.

Not knowing WHAT small town or county you live IN......nobody will be able to give you a good answer.

I suggest that you contact the municipal or county zoning office......and don't put much stock in ANY answer you get here.
cekkk
Explorer
Aug 18, 2019
First, calm down. Pay a visit to the code enforcement office of your town or county. Ask your questions calmly so you don't upset them. Often yelling at employees of such departments is a crime. They may have a suggestion or they may not, but your post indicates you are not handling this well. Good luck and let us know how things go.

There is a better place to post this. Look for a general discussion forum in the list. This one is for technical questions about the entire website.
wanderingaimles
Explorer
Aug 18, 2019
You dont say where you are located, some areas have strict rules, some are pretty lax.
Can you run water and sewer to a small bathroom in your garage? That may alleviate the problem since you could claim you are using the facilities in the garage. And it would help you as well since you could tap them for your trailer.
Walaby
Explorer II
Aug 18, 2019
I think you would get a better, more accurate answer, by taking cekkk's advice.

Now, I get it, you don't want to highlight yourself. But, asking someone on the internet, without even disclosing where you are at, is not going to yield an accurate answer. I would be willing to bet that, in a town of 10K, likely there is NO ONE, who lives where you live, so any answer you get is pure speculation.

Mike
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 18, 2019
If you switched places with your neighbors would you be happy with the situation? I wouldn’t like what you are doing at all. There is no free lunch. Your neighbor is paying for your water. Time to make your own way. Most cities have a sewer fee. Because there is no house on your property doesn’t entitle you free sewers. The citizens of your town are subsidizing you on the sewer issue.
HadEnough
Explorer
Aug 18, 2019
Can't locate behind the garage? Make yourself invisible?
turbojimmy
Explorer
Aug 18, 2019
Zoning laws are specific to towns and cities. The only way to get a sure answer is to check with your local officials. It sounds like you suspect what you're doing is against zoning laws. If it were me, I'd see if I could get the camper out of sight to whatever extent possible and not draw attention to yourself. If/when you're contacted by the authorities, deal with it then.
Tyler0215
Explorer
Aug 18, 2019
If you have already been there for five months, I'd say you don't have anything to worry about.
If the code enforcement does come calling, you will "probably" get a warning and be told to move. Deal with it then.
I would not go to the city and ask if it's OK. Why wake somebody up.
riven1950
Explorer
Aug 19, 2019
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.
garyemunson
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2019
Very few towns will assess a fine unless the "perp" just ignores the notice of violation and continues to live there. As said above, you've already been there 5 months, I'd just lay low and if you get popped, then move.