Land use in CA, permits, can I just park it on raw land?
Hi - I'm new.
I've been looking into buying some land in CA and parking an Airstream on it and using it for a vacation getaway. I can't find much on zoning and permits - and I guess they vary from county to county. But I assume there are some general rules about this.
If I buy an acre or two, can I park an Airstream on it without worry? I know living in it full time is another issue, but what if I only "live" in it for a few days per month?
If anyone has experience with living on your land in CA, I'd love to hear about it.
I'm looking at Sonoma county - Guerneville area or anywhere within a 20 mile radius. Alternately, I'd consider the foothills around Placerville or north around Oroville.
I've found a couple of articles now, searching for "trailer homesteading".
I work in Santa Rosa, not far from Guerneville. Many folks live in RV's down by the Russian river area or have summer homes. My first hunch is that the county does not allow it unless you are building or have a structure already there. You might consider putting up a metal building and rolling inside and keeping the whole thing a secret. I know that people put ads on craigslist all the time listing that they have extra room on their property for a trailer live in. I just dont think its legal. You could always buy something and take a chance with the neighbors. People are pretty nice out that way and may just accept it. Just keep a low profile.
You would have to check with the local planning dept. It may be a county or a city one. Don't believe what a realtor says—too many of them just want to sell the property. I have friends who are realtors, so I know some are honest, but all the same, best to check with the locals yourself.
One problem is water and sewer. I would think the majority of jurisdictions require some sort of permanent sewage disposal and water supply for any type of residence.
Wait, so you mean to tell me, I buy a plot of land out in the sticks, and I can't just park my trailer there and live in it?
Nope. Not here in California, unless you don't come to the attention of the authorities. Usually only if a neighbor complains.
Like Gene said, it's for health and safety reasons related to water, sewage and safe electrical hook-ups.
Not saying it's right, just saying...
Dave
__________________ AIR #15800
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I am a CA native and built many residential and commercial properties. It is difficult to do anything with land in this beautiful state. There is always one more hearing, permit or complaint to deal with. One more fee, study or offical visit. I love CA but won't be able to live here much longer. The land of fruits and nuts. Paradise destroyed. Be careful where you purchase land. The zoning is always changing!!! Best of luck.
We bought a lot just under an acre in Nevada City Ca. I too thought about parking the trailer on the property when the building begins. It looks like as long as I have permits and the building process has begun I am allowed to stay on the property without grief. I can also leave the trailer up there on the property ( i wouldnt actually do this as I dont want someone to vandalize it) and I could go up on weekends and visit but i cant move into it and call it home. I would guess the sheriffs dept would be out to talk with me within a few weeks max.
Hello,
I have lived in California my entire life... and it seems to me the general "rule" of thumb is that if you want to "live" in your trailer you can stay on your property with it for a total of something like 2 weeks or 30 days (can't remember which) out of 365. Must be self contained, etc. You can, however, stay on National Forest Land with a permit for 30 days in any one spot and then move to another for the next 30 days, I believe....
Good luck!
__________________ Mrs. NorCal Bambi traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson!
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