Chapter 17.55 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON RESIDENTIAL

§ 17.55.010. Purpose. ¶

The purpose of this chapter is to clearly define what is considered a recreational vehicle; to identify locations and standards for storage of recreational vehicles in residential zones; to identify requirements for temporary parking and use of recreational vehicles in order to protect the integrity, value and character of residential neighborhoods and public health and safety concerns. (Ord. 847, 10/21/2024)

§ 17.55.020. Definitions. ¶

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

"Occupancy" means that one or more persons are utilizing the RV for any residential purpose, such as sleeping, cooking, toileting, or bathing.

"Recreational vehicle" or "RV" both mean a vehicle with or without motive power, designed or utilized for camping, sleeping, eating or resting and for carrying persons or property on its own structure, whether being drawn by motor power or other means and includes, but is not limited to, travel trailers, campers, motorhomes, campervans, truck campers, and tent trailers.

"Residential parcel" means all parcels located with the city and designated as zones R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-P as set forth in Title 17 of this code, and parcels with a nonresidential zoning designation that have a nonconforming dwelling unit. (Ord. 847, 10/21/2024)

§ 17.55.030. Storage of recreational vehicles. ¶

A. Application. Recreational vehicles parked or stored on a residential parcel for longer than seventy-two hours must comply with this section.
B. Dwelling Unit. The residential parcel must have a dwelling unit that has received a certificate of occupancy.
C. Number. One recreational vehicle per dwelling unit may be stored at a time, with a maximum of two recreational vehicles per residential parcel.
D. Number — Exception. Planned unit developments are subject to the parking requirements set forth in section 17.42.040(D) .
E. General Regulations. Any recreational vehicle subject to this section must also comply with the general regulations set forth Section 17.55.060 .

(Ord. 847, 10/21/2024)

§ 17.55.040. Temporary occupancy of recreational vehicles. ¶

A. Application. A recreational vehicle on a residential parcel may be occupied in compliance with this section.
B. Dwelling Unit. The residential parcel must have a dwelling unit that has received a certificate of occupancy.
C. Nights Allowed. Occupancy of a recreational vehicle under this section is limited to fourteen consecutive nights and fourteen nights total in any ninety-day period per residential parcel.
D. Number. Only one recreational vehicle may be occupied on a residential parcel at a time.
E. General Regulations. Any recreational vehicle subject to this section must also comply with the general regulations set forth Section 17.55.060 .
(Ord. 847, 10/21/2024)

§ 17.55.050. Temporary occupancy of recreational vehicles during construction. ¶

A. Application. Owners of residential parcels with an active residential building permit may occupy a recreational vehicle on the parcel in compliance with this section.
B. Permits Required. At all times that the RV is occupied, the parcel must have an active building permit. The parcel owners may occupy a recreational vehicle upon receiving an administrative conditional use permit (see Chapter 17.54 ) through the Planning Department requiring compliance with this chapter.
C. Number. Only one recreational vehicle may be occupied on a residential parcel at a time.
D. General Regulations. Any recreational vehicle subject to this section must also comply with the general regulations set forth Section 17.55.060 .
(Ord. 847, 10/21/2024)

§ 17.55.060. General regulations for recreational vehicles. ¶

A. Setbacks. The placement of the recreational vehicle must be a minimum distance of five feet from lot lines and all structures on the property. This five-foot corridor must be kept clear of trash, clutter, debris, and vegetation.
B. Easements. The RV shall not be parked within utility easements or public rights-of-way.
C. Surface. The recreational vehicle must be level and stable when parked.
D. Condition. All recreational vehicles must remain operational, mobile, registered with the DMV, and maintained in such a manner as to not constitute a visual blight or public nuisance. Only fitted covers designed for recreational vehicles may be used. Tarps, sheets, blankets and similar items are not permitted on the exterior of the recreational vehicle.
E. Utilities. Any electrical connection to an RV must be in compliance with the Electrical Code. So long as the recreational vehicle is occupied, provisions must be made for the safe and legal disposal of wastewater from sinks, showers, and toilets.
F. Fire Protection. Every occupied recreational vehicle must have an operable smoke alarm and fire extinguisher.
G. Permission. Written permission of the property owner to park, store or occupy the recreational vehicle is required. (Ord. 847, 10/21/2024)

§ 17.55.070. Violations and penalties. ¶

Any person who violates this chapter is subject to criminal penalties as set forth in Chapter 1.16 and administrative fines as set forth in Chapter 1.24 . Each day that a violation exists constitutes a distinct and separate offense for which an individual may be cited. This section does not limit the legal remedies available to the city to achieve compliance with this chapter. (Ord. 847, 10/21/2024)