Legalized use of RVs as full-time homes in Sonoma County

[Glia]

Hello Sonoman Waccos,

How has the county permit program for legally living in an RV worked out? Has it improved the availability of housing? Has anyone gotten a permit after living in an RV illegally? What is involved in getting a septic connection installed? Have there been issues or trouble around that? Any solid figures on cost?

I am doing research to support getting a similar permit program in Lake County, which has been circling the drain for some time now. Legalizing full-time RV living and having a permit program for tiny houses on wheels as ADUs would be a significant economic improvement.

Thanks,
Kirsten

[Thad]

You should be able to get some information from here;

https://www.westcountyservices.org/wccs-needs-travel-trailers-rvs-homeless-housing/

West County Community Services (WCCS) is an experienced, licensed, non-profit, human services agency (501c3) in Sonoma County operating a program designed and funded to provide shelter and supportive care to people who would otherwise be homeless.

We have a site and need RVs, travel trailers or 5th Wheels in good condition, 25 feet+ in length ready for immediate occupancy. Condition of the engine and transmission don’t matter, so long as the living area, bathroom, plumbing, cooking and electrical systems are clean and in good working order. The value of your donation is tax deductible, and we will take care of the paperwork with DMV. Please contact us at [email protected] or 707-332-4456

[occihoff]

Living more simply with less is a good thing in itself . At times I have lived in my own self-made camper van and loved it. But at the same time, as more and more people start living in the same limited area, the more crowded and congested life becomes. And the world population of homo sapiens continues to escalate with no end in sight.

[terijane]

Hi Kristen,
The Tiny House movement is making big strides across the county to legalize Tiny Houses/RVs for permanent residency. This is happening one county and township at a time. Keeping track and offering resources is the American Tiny House Association americantinyhouseassociation.org This a membership association ($30/yr) but you might be able to reach the CA state leader, Daniel Fitzpatrick at [email protected] without joining. If not, it's well worth the 30 bucks to take advantage of their very helpful information on how to advance the legal process in Lake Co. (and Sonoma Co.!) on their website.
Hope that helps a "tiny" bit!
:): Teri

[Glia]

Thad, thanks for this info; it is a good example of what could and should happen here in "Lame County" -- getting unused RVs/motorhomes out of side yards or garages and back to use providing safe shelter for those in need. However, looking at the photo of the lot that will be used for this "RV village" they need to get serious about creating shade or it will be a nightmare in the summer!