Deschutes County commissioners hear testimony on proposal to allow RVs as long-term rentals on rural property

(Update: adding testimony before commissioners)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County commissioners held a public hearing on Wednesday for residents to weigh in on a proposal to allow recreational vehicles to be used as long-term rental dwellings on residential properties in the county.

Following the adoption of Oregon Senate Bill 1013, which became law in January, the board is considering whether to amend zoning codes so that property owners in rural residential areas can rent out a spot for an RV on their property, subject to certain conditions.

Resident Christina Culver testified, “This proposal marks a significant drive towards fostering affordable and sustainable living options in our community by allowing landowners in rural areas to rent out RV pads for long-term occupancy."

Current county code says RVs can be used as dwelling units only in times of natural disaster recovery, temporary residential construction and medical hardship, among specific permit uses.

Some noted that such uses are already happening, and the newly allowed option could mean more are made legal and follow the health and safety requirements, easing the issues with neighbors.

Resident Jeff Hubley said, "Life in tiny houses and RVs on private properties is already happening in Deschutes County. I think this proposal would help increase safety for all parties involved"

Senate Bill 1013's basic eligibility requirements include that the RVs must be titled, owned or leased by a tenant, and it cannot be used as a short-term rental.

The property owner also must provide essential services such as sewage, water supply, electricity and drainage. 

Resident Alan Shaw expressed wariness in his comments to the board, focused on the enforcement challenges: "If we don't have the proper infrastructure to enforce these regulations, then we are pinning ourselves into a corner that would be hard to get out of and could be potentially disastrous for people who live in these areas.”

The proposed changes include requiring the RV to be on a minimum one-acre lot. The RV must also have a sufficient parking pad, and owners must get a “will serve” letter from a water company if water for the RV won't be coming from a well.

Another resident who testified, Julian Cabarello, said, “I'm skeptical that they would allow me to, they would give me a will serve letter for an RV on my property, even though it would be a minuscule amount of water, and I'm very water-conscious anyway.”

The county Planning Commission, reflecting the broader divisions over the pros and cons of such a change, voted 4-3 to not recommend approval of the RV-as-dwelling amendments, citing land use impacts, difficulty enforcing code violations and increased threat of wildfire, among other issues. 

Alexis Stephens told commissioners it's worth it: "In a county as expensive as ours, with limited housing options, many folks are struggling. And this could provide a much-needed affordable housing opportunity that's a stepping stone to something else."

After Wednesday's discussion what's next? The written record will remain open until 4 p.m. on Wednesday May 29th. Commissioners are expected to deliberate and could approve the amendment at a June 10th meeting.

Conditions Outlined in SB 1013

The baseline criteria for RVs as rental dwellings include:

• A single-family dwelling that is occupied as the primary residence of the property owner must be sited on the property
• The RV must be owned or leased by the tenant
• The property owner must provide essential services to the RV space, which are defined as sewage disposal, water supply, electrical supply and, if required by applicable law, any drainage system

  SB 1013 prohibits the following:

• The RV cannot be utilized as a short-term rental
• RVs as rental dwellings are not allowed in urban reserves
• There are no other dwelling units on the property besides the primary single-family dwelling and no portion of the single-family dwelling is rented as a dwelling

For additional information, visit www.deschutes.org/rvamendments.

Written testimony may be emailed to tanya.saltzman@deschutes.org.