Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Rv Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County staff says state code and building standards limit permitting of RVs as permanent homes; board asks staff to keep researching options
Summary
Code compliance and building staff told commissioners that RVs and park‑models are built to vehicle standards and not to residential building codes; commissioners asked staff to continue researching possible time‑limited permits, RV-park options or design upgrades that could allow more flexible, safe housing.
DRIGGS, Idaho — On Dec. 8 Teton County code enforcement and building staff reported to the Board of County Commissioners that current state statutes, the International Building Code and vehicle registration rules treat recreational vehicles as vehicles rather than dwellings, and that RVs generally do not meet the structural, insulation and wastewater standards required for year‑round housing in a cold climate.
Code Compliance Technician Amber Pence told the board county enforcement is complaint‑driven and that exceptions exist — for example, living in an RV temporarily while a permitted house is being built — but that permitting RVs as permanent dwellings would require changes in statutory interpretation or upgraded product standards (park models/tiny homes built to more robust standards).
What staff recommended: Staff will continue to research options used elsewhere — including seasonal allowances, RV parks with hookups and requirements for year‑round habitability — and return with specific drafting options that protect occupant safety and provide equitable enforcement.
Public reaction: Several residents urged flexibility because of workforce housing needs and transient workers who live on leased farm property. Commissioners asked staff to look for feasible, legally sound pathways, such as clearly time‑limited permits or the development of RV-park zoning that includes infrastructure requirements.
Next steps: Staff will research examples from other Idaho jurisdictions, consult state code guidance, and propose possible code amendments or policy options for the board to consider.
