Living In A Camper: Indiana's Laws And Your Property

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking an affordable and flexible living arrangement. While RVs offer the freedom to travel and live across the United States, there are legal considerations to be aware of when it comes to using an RV as a permanent residence. In Indiana, there are no specific laws regarding full-time RV living, but local regulations and ordinances may vary, and some counties may have restrictions against it. So, can someone legally live in an RV on your property in Indiana?

Indiana's RV laws

> a vehicle with or without motive power equipped exclusively for living quarters for persons traveling upon the highways.

This definition does not include truck campers or mobile structures. Recreational vehicles are designed and marketed for temporary living, not as permanent dwellings. They are built on a single chassis, mounted on wheels, and do not exceed 400 square feet of gross area.

In Indiana, there are no specific laws regarding full-time RV living. However, some counties and cities may have ordinances restricting or prohibiting it. For example, Indianapolis zoning ordinances restrict the use of RVs for living purposes to no more than 15 days per year. Therefore, it is important to research the local laws and regulations of your specific location in Indiana before settling down.

Additionally, Indiana has a unique RV sales tax law. Non-residents purchasing an RV in Indiana are exempt from sales tax if their home state offers similar treatment to Indiana purchasers. However, there are currently eight non-reciprocal states (Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina) where a special tax rate applies.

Zoning ordinances

In Indiana, there is no state-wide law that specifically prohibits living in a camper or recreational vehicle (RV) on your property. However, some counties and cities within Indiana may have their own ordinances that restrict this practice. For example, Indianapolis has a zoning ordinance that specifically prohibits the use of RVs for living purposes, limiting their use for housekeeping, sleeping, or living to one instance per calendar year, for no more than 15 days.

On the other hand, some areas in Indiana may allow temporary RV parking for a few days, typically intended for visiting family or friends. For instance, Vanderburgh County and Evansville permit RVs on a property for up to 180 days if a building is undergoing significant structural alterations or repairs.

Therefore, it is crucial to research the specific zoning ordinances for your city or county in Indiana to understand the regulations around living in a camper on your property. These ordinances can be found through local government websites or by contacting the relevant authorities.

Temporary stays

Indiana does not have specific laws regarding full-time RV living. However, some counties may have ordinances against it. Therefore, it is important to check local regulations before settling down.

In general, RVs are not considered permanent residences in many states or cities. They are meant for travel or temporary stays. As such, some city and county ordinances permit homeowners to park an RV in their yard or driveway for a few days. This is intended to allow family or friends who are visiting to stay in their RV for a short period.

For example, in Vanderburgh County, Evansville, RVs are permitted on a property for 180 days if a building is undergoing structural alterations, reconstruction, or repairs that equal or exceed 40% of the value of the pre-altered building. The RV must be included when applying for the building permit and must be fully licensed and ready for highway use.

In Indianapolis, the zoning ordinance specifically restricts the use of recreational vehicles for living. The ordinance states that RVs cannot be used for housekeeping purposes, sleeping, or living for more than one instance per calendar year. The length of time the RV can be used for these purposes cannot exceed 15 days.

Therefore, while there is no statewide ban on temporary stays in RVs, local ordinances may impose restrictions. It is important to check the specific regulations for your county or city before making any plans to host guests in an RV on your property.

Rural areas

Indiana does not have specific laws regarding full-time RV living. However, some counties may have ordinances against it, so it is important to check local regulations before settling down. While there is no federal law prohibiting you from parking your RV in your backyard, you may have to check with the HOA and local regulations regarding parking an RV on your land.

In rural areas, the laws and restrictions regarding living in an RV may be more relaxed, but not always. For example, some cities may restrict where an RV can be parked and prohibit using a recreational vehicle as a permanent residence. However, in some rural areas, law enforcers are not strict about implementing this law, and you may be able to bypass these laws by moving your RV around and parking it where it is acceptable.

If you want to live in your RV on your own land, you will need to check the zoning laws and ordinances for your specific location. You may also need to consider utilities, such as electricity, water, and sewage, and ensure that your RV is properly registered and inspected if required by local regulations.

Overall, while it may be possible to live in an RV in rural areas of Indiana, it is important to thoroughly research and understand the local laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues.

Homeowner's Association

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are commonplace in the US, particularly in planned communities with single-unit housing, townhouses, and apartment buildings. While RVs are becoming an increasingly popular inexpensive living arrangement, there are several HOA rules that RV owners should be aware of.

Firstly, RVs are not allowed to be stored in public view, including driveways, side yards, and backyards. They must be kept out of public view and stored inside a garage, for example. Secondly, the time an RV can be stored on your property may be limited to under three days, as HOAs don't want RVs blocking off parking spaces. This timeframe should allow for loading and unloading within a reasonable period. Thirdly, RVs are generally not permitted to be used as temporary housing on your property. Some HOAs may allow for an RV to be occupied for a stipulated period, but this varies. Finally, RVs are typically not allowed to be used as short-term guest accommodations. This is because insurance for RV storage only applies to unoccupied vehicles, and there is a risk that some people may take advantage of this allowance and use the RV regularly.

In addition to these common HOA rules, RV owners should also be aware of zoning ordinances and restrictive covenants. Many states and cities do not recognize RVs as permanent residences, and local zoning ordinances may restrict where an RV can be parked. For example, Indianapolis zoning ordinances prohibit the use of RVs for living purposes for more than one instance per calendar year, and the length of stay cannot exceed 15 days.

Therefore, it is important for RV owners to research the specific laws and regulations of their state, city, and HOA community before assuming they can live in their RV on their property. Failure to comply with these rules could result in legal consequences, such as being sued by neighbors or incurring significant fines.

Frequently asked questions