Living in an RV on private land... (Colorado Springs, Woodland Park: rent, mobile home)

[allprolab]

What areas is this allowed? Ideally we'd like to buy a small piece of land somewhere in the Woodland Park area that we could build a little cabin on later. But for now we're interested in living in an RV until we build. We'd like to be within 30-40 minutes of downtown COS but don't know what our options are. I've tried looking for this information but have not found anything useful. Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated.

[beezle1]

You might have to find a place that is not part of a subdivision, as many have rules about living out of an RV or camper for extended periods of time.

Just found this regarding land use regulations in Teller County in general:
http://www.co.teller.co.us/cdsd/plan...ns11-21-05.pdf
If you search within the document for 'camp' or 'recreational vehicle', it sounds like there are restrictions that would prevent you from doing this.

Camping. Camping on a residential lot is permitted only when the following requirements are met:
1. Sewage shall be disposed of either at an off-site facility or by means of an on-site disposal system. In either case, the facility or system must be one currently permitted and approved by Teller County.
2. Compliance with all minimum setbacks for the zone district.
3. Camping on any property over 60 days in any continuous 12-month period will be considered a permanent residence and will be in violation of these Regulations.
4. No more than two camping units, per lot, are allowed.

[allprolab]

Doesn't look promising, but I understand why. I imagine El Paso County is the same, if not more restrictive.

Thank you kindly for your reply!

[beezle1]

Found this in the El Paso County land development code. Looks like they are not quite as restrictive as Teller County, but still have restrictions based on time.

5.2.48. Temporary Housing
Manufactured homes, post-1976 mobile homes, pre-1976 mobile homes where the
zoning allows or recreational vehicles may be used to provide temporary housing for the
owner of a lot or parcel during the construction of a permanent dwelling on the lot or
parcel, subject to temporary use permit requirements. The duration of the temporary
housing shall not exceed 12 months unless a renewal is granted. The temporary housing
shall be removed from the site at the end of the 12 month period or following completion
of the construction, whichever comes first. An extension of time may be granted by the
DSD Director following a finding that significant progress has been made in the
construction of the permanent dwelling or there have been circumstances beyond the
control of the property owner that have delayed construction. A recreational vehicle shall
only be used as temporary housing under a temporary use permit if a building permit has
been issued and remains active for a permanent dwelling.

Land Development Code

[allprolab]

Hmm. Very interesting. Thanks!

[Arrby]

Originally Posted by allprolab

What areas is this allowed? Ideally we'd like to buy a small piece of land somewhere in the Woodland Park area that we could build a little cabin on later. But for now we're interested in living in an RV until we build. We'd like to be within 30-40 minutes of downtown COS but don't know what our options are. I've tried looking for this information but have not found anything useful. Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Downtown Woodland Park to downtown Colorado Springs is going to push your time limit pretty hard as it is 25 minutes from WP to US 24/I-25. You might go as far west as Divide and still just barely make 40 minutes if you stay real close to highway 24. Even then I have my doubts.

Note that the restrictions are on long term camping. Leaving an rv in situ and coming for weekends or a couple of weeks a year are not restricted in any way by the county. However, many (most?) subdivisions' covenants do not permit you to park an rv on a bare piece of ground and leave it there indefinitely.

Suggestion: Rent a small house in or near Woodland Park. Spend the next few months looking for the land you want - take your time and find the property you want at the price you want to pay. Maybe you can find a place already built that would suit you and you would not have to hassle with building. Maybe you find you DON'T want to commute after all; in which case you have saved yourself a fortune. At the very least by taking your time and shopping carefully you should be able to save yourself enough money on the land purchase to pay for six months rent.

Final thought - building lots or acreages in the mountains are way easier to buy than they are to sell.

[billgg]

There are some great ideas here, and think most would also apply to tiny house as well. Like this site suggests.
[url=http://tinyhousesonwheels.blogspot.ca/p/find-parking-for-your-tiny-house.html]Tiny Houses on Wheels: Parking[/url]
I have been thinking about making his jump for some time and I think it’s about time. I am not old enough to retire, but really too to think about another 30 year mortgage. I am really leaning toward fulltime RV living, possibly in a little house (best of both).

[lurtsman]

That tiny house thing is pretty cool. For someone that wanted to be a traveling nurse, having one of those to take around the country would be pretty awesome.

[cancane1]

Hi,
I just retired and wanted to buy a small piece of land in the mountains and live there for about 9 months a year (until winter). Are you telling me that I cant do this unless I will build a house? My sister has a house trailer by a lake in Pennsylvania and lives there for months at a time; are you telling me that I cant do this in Colorado?

[Rainbow Demon]

Every county has different restrictions but most will limit "camping" to ensure that a buncha gypsy camps don't spring up everywhere. Same thing with the houses on wheels/trailers/"tiny houses". Most areas won't allow such a dwelling. Too small...and no utilities/sanitation/etc.

Existing cabins/older dwellings that are built/in place will be everyone's best bet for finding a small, cozy dwelling. Any new construction....statewide, must comply with State electrical/sewage/well regs....even in those counties with "no codes".

good luck. Buy wisely and make sure the land you buy/area you buy into will allow you to do what you plan to do.