HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 RVs as temporary housing AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 5/17/2021
Meeting Type: Work Session
Staff Contact/Dept.: Sandy Belson and
Jim Donovan/DPW
Staff Phone No: 541-736-7135
541-726-3660
Estimated Time: 10 Minutes
S P R I N G F I E L D
C I T Y C O U N C I L
Council Goals: Promote and Enhance
our Hometown Feel
while Focusing on
Livability and
Environmental Quality
ITEM TITLE: CHECK-IN ON RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AS TEMPORARY HOUSING
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Provide direction about continuing to allow recreational vehicles (RVs) as
temporary housing.
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
Households that have become homeless due to fires, the pandemic, or other reasons
are challenged finding affordable housing options. Last fall, the City temporarily
allowed RV occupancy on private property. This action to ease the crisis also
provides some information for the consideration of more permanent measures.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Resolution 2020-34 (without Exhibit A)
Attachment 2: Temporary Guidelines for RV Occupancy on Private Property
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT
On Oct 19, 2020, Council passed Resolution 2020-34 that allows people to occupy
RVs parked on private property in situations not already covered through the
Overnight Parking Program. Council approved Guidelines (Attachment 2) by
which RVs would be allowed. At that time, Council indicated that it would like to
review this temporary measure before summer to determine if this allowance should
continue as is or with some adjustments for a period of time commensurate with the
emergency need. Council could also consider directing staff to prepare code
amendments that would permanently allow this type of use.
Some Springfield property owners have offered a landing spot for households
looking for an affordable temporary option, but the city has no data on how many
households have been assisted in this manner. Code Enforcement Officers have
received no complaints about RVs that meet the Guidelines. There have been some
complaints involving RVs, but in those situations, the people were not following
the RV guidelines or ran afoul of unrelated code requirements.
If the Council decides against continuing to allow RVs as temporary housing, there
should be a grace period to allow for removal of the temporary uses. There may be
an increase in enforcement cases as the displaced seek other housing as there is a
lack of affordable housing options.
Given that a moratorium on evictions is still in place due to the pandemic, staff
recommends continuing to allow RV occupancy on private property with no
changes to the Guidelines. Staff also recommends that Council revisit the issue
once the effects from the pandemic no longer have a direct effect on the housing
market. Staff will continue a compliance rather than enforcement approach in the
field.
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 1
Temporary Guidelines from the City of Springfield, starting October 2020
Good Neighbor Approach
A good neighbor approach is strongly recommended for all
property owners, business owners, and temporary residents.
The City will continue to take action to enforce noise, sanitation,
nuisance, and other public health and safety code violations.
RVs are not allowed on vacant lots.
Hello Recreational
Vehicle Owners!
Due to the heightened need for temporary housing in our
community, the City of Springfield will allow temporary occupancy
of recreational vehicles (RVs) when they are parked on private
property as described here.
City staff will use these guidelines for the temporary measure
and continue to uphold safety and health standards aimed at
protecting the occupants of the RVs. All other city ordinances for
the protection of health and safety shall remain in effect.
Failure to follow these guidelines in a manner that threatens the
health and safety of the temporary residents, property owners,
neighbors or public may result in enforcement actions.
READ ON for information based on your RV’s location
THESE GUIDELINES DO NOT APPLY TO:
RV OCCUPANCY
ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
RV DEFINITION
Recreational vehicle is defined in the
Springfield Development Code as:
For purposes of these guidelines, an RV
also includes a tiny house on wheels suitable
for transport on a public street.
“A vacation trailer or other
unit, with or without
motive power, which is designed
for human occupancy and to be
used temporarily for recreational,
seasonal, or emergency purposes
and has a gross floor space of less
than 400 square feet. The term
includes camping trailers, camping
vehicles, motor homes, park trailers,
bus conversions, van conversions,
tent trailers, travel trailers, truck
campers, and any vehicle converted
for use or partial use as a recreational
vehicle. The unit shall be identified
as a recreational vehicle by the
manufacturer or converter.”
RV Parks.
Manufactured dwelling parks.
Campgrounds.
Churches and industrial
sites that participate in the
Overnight Parking Program.
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3
2
4
General Guidelines
RV must be Roadworthy.
The RV must be in a drivable or towable
condition and licensed as appropriate.
RVs that cannot be easily driven off or towed
from the property are deemed a nuisance
and subject to code enforcement.
No structures shall be
connected to the RV.
All personal items shall be kept
in the RV or otherwise screened
from view from any public
right-of-way (including alleys).
Property owners may not
charge rent, but may ask the
RV occupants to contribute
toward utilities.
Attachment 2, Page 1 of 2
Permits for utility hookups:
Chris Carpenter,
ccarpenter@springfield-or.gov
All other RV inquiries:
Sandy Belson,
sbelson@springfield-or.gov
Jim Donovan,
jdonovan@springfield-or.gov
SPRINGFIELDOR SPFLDOREGON
CITY-OF-SPRINGFIELD
CITYOFSPRINGFIELDOREGON
PROPERTY TYPE
RV GUIDELINESBASED ON
RVs may be parked on property developed
with a single-family house or a duplex.
Property owner may grant permission for one RV.
RV must be parked in a legal parking area (driveway) or
parked behind the front facade of the house. (Springfield
Municipal Code 5.002(11) – Prohibited parking)
RVs parked behind the front façade of the primary
structure may be screened using standard
fencing materials.
The RV must be parked at least three feet from any
interior property line and shall not create a sight or
physical obstruction for traffic (including pedestrians).
It is recommended that the RV be parked at least
three feet from any structure.
Any additional structures (carports, sheds) provided
for the use of the temporary residents must comply
with the zoning requirements of the district.
Sanitation Facilities must be provided
for the RV occupants.
Residents may make sanitary facilities available
within the primary residence.
The RV occupants may use holding tanks within
the RV that are emptied off-site.
A certified vendor may go to the site to pump out
RV holding tanks.
The property owner may allow an RV connection
to an existing sanitary sewer line, contact the City
for applicable requirements.
Portable toilets are not allowed.
Electrical connections may be provided
to the RV.
An extension cord may be extended from
an approved outlet.
The property owner may obtain approval for
and install a pedestal for a plug-in, contact the City
for applicable permits.
Use of generators is not allowed.
Hard (permanent) connections are not allowed.
Garbage Service must be provided.
The residents must have regular garbage service
and allow the RV occupants to utilize this service.
Property owners of commercial businesses,
public entities, and religious institutions/
places of worship may allow RVs.
Property owner may grant permission for one
or more RVs.
RVs must be parked within the parking lot.
Any additional structures (carports, sheds) provided for
the use of the RV occupants must comply with the zoning
requirements of the district.
Sanitation Facilities must be provided
for the RV occupants.
Business/property owner may make sanitary facilities
available within an existing structure.
Business/property owners may provide portable toilets
that are regularly serviced and maintained.
The RV occupants may use holding tanks within the
RV that are emptied off-site.
A certified vendor may go to the site to pump out
RV holding tanks.
The property owner may allow an RV connection
to an existing sanitary sewer line, contact the City
for applicable requirements.
Electrical connections may be provided
to the RV.
An extension cord may be extended from
an approved outlet.
The property owner may obtain approval for
and install a pedestal for a plug-in, contact the City
for applicable permits.
Use of generators is not allowed.
Hard (permanent) connections are not allowed.
Garbage Service must be provided.
The business/property owner must have regular garbage
service and allow the RV occupants to utilize this service.
RV’S ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY RV’S IN PARKING LOTS
PUBLISHED: MARCH 9, 2021
Community Development Division
Development & Public Works Department
City of Springfield, Oregon
dpw@springfield-or.gov • springfield-or.gov • 541.726.3753
Attachment 2, Page 2 of 2