Exploring Living Full-Time In Your Camper On Private Land

Living in a camper van on your own land is a complicated issue and the answer varies depending on where you live. If you own the land, you will have more freedom to do so, but there are often city ordinances and neighbourhood rules that prevent this lifestyle. In some places, it is illegal to live in an RV full-time as governments do not classify them as permanent dwellings. However, some states and counties may permit it, so it is important to check the local laws before making any decisions.

The government doesn't classify RVs as permanent dwellings

Zoning laws also play a significant role in whether an RV can be considered a dwelling. These laws can limit the areas of a town where an RV can be inhabited, and some jurisdictions have time limits on how long an RV can remain in a particular location. For example, an RV might only be considered a dwelling for a short period, like 90 or 180 days out of the year. Additionally, local regulations may require that an RV have access to water and an approved dumping station to be considered a dwelling, even for a temporary period.

Furthermore, RVs are designed for recreational and short-term use only and are therefore not subject to the same regulations as mobile homes or permanent dwellings. As a result, it is believed that living in an RV full-time may be unsafe. However, this belief is contested by many full-time RVers who understand that there is nothing inherently unsafe about the RV lifestyle.

Despite the government's classification, the US Federal Government does allow individuals to claim an RV as a primary or secondary residence for tax purposes. According to Turbo Tax, as long as an RV has sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities, it can be considered a residence, even if it is frequently on the move. This classification can provide tax benefits to those who live in their RVs full-time.

You'll need to check zoning laws for your city and/or county

Zoning laws vary from city to city and county to county. These laws are in place to dictate what you can and cannot do with your land and property. Before deciding to live in an RV on your own land, it is important to research the zoning laws for your specific location.

Some cities have issues with full-time RV parking because they feel the land should be used for permanent buildings. Zoning laws may also dictate what type of vehicles can be parked on your property and for how long. For example, in Larimer County, Colorado, RVs can only be used for "recreation" on vacant property for up to 180 days in a calendar year. In Weld County, Colorado, residents are not permitted to live in an RV on their property at all and are limited to seven days. In contrast, some states like Montana allow RVs to be used as year-round residences on private property.

In addition to city and county zoning laws, you may also need to consider Homeowners Association (HOA) rules. Some HOAs may not allow RVs to be parked on your property or may have specific requirements for how they can be used. For example, your HOA may require that your RV is kept in a garage or other enclosed structure.

To find out the specific zoning laws for your city and/or county, you can contact a zoning employee at your county office. They will be able to provide you with detailed information about where you can park your RV and any permits or licenses that may be required. It is important to do this research before purchasing land or an RV to ensure that you are compliant with all local laws and regulations.

You'll need to connect your vehicle to a septic system

Connecting your camper to a septic system is a great way to add functionality and make it a comfortable living space. It is possible to connect your camper to your septic tank, but you need to make sure that you do it correctly.

The easiest way to connect your camper to your septic tank is typically through a cleanout. This will be a PVC pipe that comes out from the ground with a screw cap. Simply remove the cap and attach the sewer hose from your camper into this cleanout. Make sure that the hose is properly secured to the pipe opening, you may have to weigh this down so that it doesn’t create a mess.

You can choose to leave this hooked up all the time so that any wastewater automatically goes into the septic system, or you can choose to wait and empty the tank all at once. Keep in mind that some people believe that adding too much waste to a septic tank at one time can cause shock to the system. Because septic tanks work using natural bacteria to break down wastewater, it’s important to keep balances in check.

If your septic tank doesn’t have a cleanout, you might be tempted to remove the lid. Although you can do this, it’s dangerous as exposure to too much air can kill the natural bacteria in the tank, and the gas trapped in the tank can be fatal to humans. If you choose to do this, make sure that you dump into the correct side—the one that keeps solids separate from wastewater, or the one that’s closest to the house. Keep in mind that you cannot use an access port as a continuous way to drain wastewater as you’ll need to reseal the port.

Connecting your camper to your septic tank means that you’ll need to take a few extra precautions to keep the system working well. Make sure that you’re not dumping too many additional chemicals down your drains, even products that are sold as septic tank cleaners can kill off the natural bacteria levels. These will only result in a cleaner system for a short period of time.

Make sure that you don’t overload the system. As wastewater gets put into the system, wastewater is pushed out. If too much wastewater is put in at one time, sludge can make its way into the leach lines and clog the system. Be prepared to have the system cleaned more frequently if you use the camper plumbing frequently. This will help prevent any problems later on.

You'll need to arrange utilities

If you're considering living in a camper on your own land, you'll need to arrange utilities to make it a comfortable living space. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Water Supply

You'll need a reliable water source for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. If your land has access to a city water line, you can connect to it with a freshwater hose. Alternatively, you can dig a well if your land has potable water. Make sure to comply with local regulations and obtain any necessary permits for water access.

Electricity

Powering your camper is essential for lighting, appliances, and other electrical needs. If your camper is located close to your house, you may be able to run a heavy-duty extension cord from your home's electrical supply. For a more permanent solution, consider hiring an electrician to connect your camper to your home's breaker box or sub-panel. If your camper is far from any electrical sources, you may need to install solar panels or a generator to meet your power needs.

Sewer and Waste Management

Proper waste management is crucial for maintaining sanitary living conditions. If your land is connected to a public sewer system, you can simply connect your camper to the city's sewer line. Otherwise, you may need to install a septic tank and regularly pump out the waste. Make sure to follow local regulations and obtain permits for sewer connections or septic tank installations.

Internet and Communication Services

Internet access has become a necessity for many people, especially if you plan to work or study remotely. Contact local internet service providers to explore your options for internet connectivity. Additionally, ensure that you have reliable mobile phone reception or consider installing a landline for communication.

Planning and Permits

Before installing any utilities, it's important to create a plan and obtain the necessary permits. Contact your local authorities to understand the zoning laws and permit requirements for utility installations. Develop a detailed plan for the location of your camper and the routing of utility lines. This will help ensure that your installations comply with regulations and avoid any costly mistakes.

Hiring Professionals

Unless you have the necessary skills and experience, it's advisable to hire professionals for certain utility installations. For example, electrical work should be handled by a licensed electrician to ensure it is done safely and correctly. Similarly, plumbing connections and septic tank installations are best left to qualified plumbers or septic system installers.

Remember, living in a camper on your land may have specific regulations and restrictions, so always check with your local authorities before making any permanent arrangements.

You'll need to pay taxes to the state where you live

Living in a camper on your own land is a complicated issue, and the answers vary based on where you live. If you decide to go ahead with this lifestyle, you'll need to pay taxes to the state where you live. Here are some things to keep in mind:

First, check with your local zoning laws and neighbourhood rules. Some cities have ordinances that prevent full-time RV parking, as they feel the land should be used for permanent buildings. Your HOA may also have rules that restrict this type of setup. It's important to do your research before making any decisions.

Next, you'll need to legitimise your setup by arranging for utilities and paying the necessary taxes. This includes connecting your camper to water, sewage, and electrical hookups. You may also need to pay a fee to establish a permanent address, which will allow you to receive mail and prove residency.

When it comes to taxes, the good news is that for federal tax purposes, an RV can be considered your primary residence. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a home broadly to include RVs, as long as they have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities. This means you can take advantage of the same tax deductions as a homeowner of a typical house. However, you can only designate one residence as your main home at any given time.

If you have a loan for your camper, you can deduct mortgage interest paid on that loan as long as the camper is used as security for the loan. Additionally, if you decide to move into a more traditional house, your camper can be treated as a qualified second home, and you can still apply the same homeowner deductions.

Keep in mind that if you use your camper for both residential and business purposes, you'll need to divide it into portions for residential living and business use. This will allow you to allocate the appropriate tax deductions accordingly.

Overall, while living in a camper on your land is possible in most locations, it requires a lot of paperwork and compliance with various regulations. Be sure to check with your local authorities and stay informed about any changes in laws and policies that may impact your setup.

Frequently asked questions