Central Frontenac seeks your input on RVs and trailers as residences

Do you think trailers should be allowed as principal uses in certain zones in Central Frontenac? If so, what considerations are important to ensure trailers are allowed in a safe, environmentally friendly way, that doesn't cause issues with neighbours? Should landowners who use RVs as residences on their properties be required to obtain a licence to do so? Please share your ideas, input, and advice in the comments below. All will be collected and carefully considered as part of the 2022 Central Frontenac Zoning By-law Review process.

Recreational Vehicles include self-propelled or towed vehicles capable of being used for living, sleeping, eating or accommodation of persons on a temporary, transient or short term basis, even if the vehicle is jacked up or its running gear is removed. Examples include a motor home, tent trailer, a camper trailer, a recreational trailer, a fifth wheel, or a bus converted into a motor home.

Our current by-law allows recreational vehicles in some zones as an accessory use only. In some zones they are to be in a stored state. Over the last few years, trailers have become more prevalent as an affordable alternative to traditional construction. Our new zoning bylaw will need to address whether recreational vehicles should be allowed as a principal use, if so, in what zones, and what regulations need to apply to ensure they are safe for residents and they don't have a negative impact on the environment or neighbours. Properties with trailers are treated and taxed as vacant lands. As trailers proliferate, the services of the municipality increase (use of roads, waste, recreation, fire and protection services) with no additional tax revenue to cover these costs. Many of these trailers are rented out for an additional income source. This is not fair to taxpayers who pay taxes based on improvements. One way the township can manage trailers to balance the rights of all is through licensing. Licensing can ensure certain requirements are met before allowing a trailer on a property, such as demonstrating there is safe water/sewage servicing, civic addressing, fire safety etc. A licensing fee can help address the lack of tax revenue from these properties and cover inspection and administrative costs of the licencing process.