County considers easing RV rules

Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners is considering lessening the restrictions on recreational vehicle use in the land development code.

According to a memo from County Planning Director Beckie Cato to commissioners, the current code doesn’t allow the use of RVs as living quarters, but the development services center receives regular requests to permit RVs for living quarters during construction projects.

Commissioners directed staff in September to prepare and amendment to the county code to address the issue and bring it back before the board. Cato recommended the board of county commissioners consider amending the land development code to allow the use of a recreational vehicle as temporary living quarters on a construction site.

In the proposed amendment, language is added to allow RVs to be stored in residential districts on the same lot as the principal residential structure and may be used as temporary living quarters by the property owner until a primary residence construction project is completed.

In regard to commercial and industrial-zoned areas, RVs can be used as a temporary residence for security purposes during a construction project with a maximum of two occupants. A permit is still required for temporary use of a RV and only one RV can be used on a piece of property. The use of an RV for temporary living quarters is limited to a two-year period.

For more on this story, see the Nov. 24 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.