The TNRD wants people to not use recreational vehicles as year-round permanent homes.

Development Services Director Regina Sadilkova says RVs have never been allowed as a permanent dwelling within the TNRD. She however estimates there may be around 100 RVs that are permanently parked throughout the region, especially near lakes.

She says there are some units that have wheels removed and others have additions like decks and utility rooms.

“We get complaints from the neighbourhood. So sometimes they are environmental concerns, sometimes they are equity or aesthetic complaints,” Sadilkova said. “We always have a few open enforcement files but as of this year, we have board direction to take on a more concerted enforcement so people are aware that we do have regulations in place.”

The TNRD says RVs are designed to provide temporary living spaces for recreational, camping, or travel use. The larger ‘park model’ RVs might look similar to a manufactured home, but they are designed for use in campgrounds or RV parks.

Officials are hoping for voluntary compliance, but they will start with enforcement action for the more egregious offenders, and Sadilkova says the TNRD will first send a letter to the owners telling them about the issues.

“We can also ticket regularly like weekly or monthly and then for the more egregious cases where we have more concerted complaints, those ones we take to court if we have no success,” she added. “We always will start will education.”

Also of concern is a loss in taxation as Sadilkova says the TNRD is unable to assess RV’s as dwellings, meaning complying property owners end up paying more than they need to.

Sadilkova also points out that RV’s do not meet the standards of the BC Building Code, adding that  using an RV as your permanent home, even in the short-term, is not allowed under the TNRD’s Zoning Bylaw and Building Bylaw regulations.