Research Checklist - Recreational Vehicle (RV) Rental Dwelling

Summary

Several permits must be obtained prior to setting up an RV Rental Dwelling. It is highly recommended that you contact staff prior to applying for permits to verify all requirements. For commonly asked questions click here to navigate to the FAQs section.

RV Rental Dwelling Zoning Code:  DCC 18.116.095(D), DCC 19.92.170

Basic RV Rental Dwelling Requirements:

• Zoning: RR-10, MUA, UAR-10, SR 2 ½, WTZ
• Minimum acreage: 2 acres, except for areas of South County that require 5-acre minimum (see below for details)
• The property must contain a single-family dwelling that is occupied as the primary residence of the property owner
• The RV must be titled through the Department of Transportation
• The RV cannot be used as a short-term rental
• The RV must have cooking and sleeping facilities
• The RV must have a working toilet and sink
• The RV must have water, electricity, and wastewater disposal utilities.

List of potential permits needed for an RV Rental Dwelling:

• Onsite Authorization Permit
• Planning RV Rental Dwelling Permit
• Onsite Permit (New Installation)
• Driveway Access Permit (if applicable)
• Electrical and Plumbing Permits

If you are building within the city limits of Sisters, La Pine, Bend and Redmond, you will need to contact those planning departments.

Step 1 – Preliminary Requirements

1. Verify your property is 2 acres or more, or if you’re in the South Deschutes County area verify that your property is 5 acres or more.  See the RV 5-Acre Minimum Map located here: ADU & RV 5 Acre Minimum 
2. Verify the property is located in one of the following zones: RR-10,MUA-10, UAR-10, SR-2/12 AND WTZ. Retrieve the Summary Property Report to view the zoning and acreage of your property located here: CDD Summary Report
3. Verify water supply. For non-well users, obtain a Will Serve letter.
4. Verify Fire Protection District Adequate Access and RV Driveway Access Requirements (different than Driveway Permit)

Step 2 – Permitting & Other Requirements

• Onsite
  • Onsite Authorization Permit
• Planning
  • Planning RV Rental Dwelling Permit
  • Property owners, or their authorized representatives, can submit a land use application in one of three ways. Learn more about it here.
• Onsite
  • Onsite Permit (New Installation) – If applicable
• Driveway Access
  • Driveway Permit - If there is not an approved Driveway Permit for your property, you will be required to apply for a Driveway Permit. This is applicable for 1 & 2 Family Dwelling and Structures.
• Building
  • Electrical and Plumbing Permits 

Upon approval of above permits, complete the following:

• Construct RV Pad 
• Establish 20-foot Radius of Noncombustible Groundcover  

Step 3 – Ongoing Requirements 

• Rental Agreement Required 
• RV Ownership & Title Information Required 
• Proof of RV with a Toilet & Sink Required 
• Maintenance of Noncombustible Groundcover