4 Most Important RV Park Zoning Laws in Texas in 2022 (2023)

In Texas, every new development is expected to align with the standards and regulations of the local municipality through the zoning codes and ordinances. Owing to that, one of the most important steps when developing a new RV park is to study the local zoning codes and regulations.

Understanding the land’s purpose through zoning codes will also help you understand the density of the development—in this case, a new RV Park—and its relationship to the surroundings, especially when it is adjacent to residential zones. When reviewing the local ordinance, developers may encounter different issues.

Have it in mind that conditional use applications can warrant extra time and application processes for zoning changes or variances. Some municipalities in Texas are known to include a public consultation requirement as part of the application process.

It is important to highlight the benefits and added value that your park will bring to the neighborhood such as bolstering the landscape and offering a vast array of services to the community. Also, note that you can apply for a PUD (Planned Unit Development) if the site is large enough and falls outside the local governmental jurisdiction.

A PUD will note the exact characteristics of the development, independent of the municipal ordinance. If you are seeking to develop a new RV Park or expand an existing one in the state of Texas, here are important zoning laws you must know.

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4 Most Important RV Park Zoning Laws in Texas You Must Know

  1. Location and Fencing

In Texas, RV parks will only need to be situated in those zoning districts where RV parks are permitted. Aside from that, RV parks will have to be situated at least two hundred (200) feet from any single-family residential (SF), single-family attached residential (SFA), two-family residential (2F), or multifamily one (MF-1) or multifamily two (MF-2) zoning district.

Have in mind that this requirement does not apply to SF, SFA, 2F, MF-1, or MF-2 areas within the 100-year floodplain. Also, recreational vehicles should never be placed closer than ten (10) feet to the property line separating the RV Park from connecting property, measured from the recreational vehicle’s closest point.

Furthermore, no recreational vehicle should be placed within an RV park closer than twenty (20) feet to any property line adjoining a single-family, townhouse, two-family, or apartment residence. To shield the RV Park from view, a fence at least eight (8) feet tall must be installed on the property line adjoining any residence (single-family structures, townhouses, duplexes, quadruplexes, apartments, etc.).

  1. Size and Density

Every RV Park in Texas must be at least three (3) acres in size, with a maximum of five (5) acres. The maximum RV park site density is expected to be around twenty (20) sites per acre. Note that only one recreational vehicle is allowed per recreational vehicle site.

Aside from that, every recreational vehicle site within the RV park will need to have a minimum area of a thousand nine hundred fifty (1,950) square feet and shall be at least thirty (30) feet wide and sixty-five (65) feet in depth. Have it in mind that these sites will need to be designed as pull-throughs to make it easy for RVs to enter and exit the site.

The left one-third (⅓) (10 x 65) of the site, or the driver’s side, must be fitted with grass and other landscaping, and the middle (10 x 65) will have to be clearly paved with cement, and the remaining one-third (⅓) can be paved with either cement or asphalt.

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Also note that the middle portion will have to be used for the parking of the recreation vehicle, with the paved area on the right serving as a parking and patio area. Landscaping will also be required, and at least one large variety tree will need to be planted on every third site.

  1. Street Access and Street Lighting

Note that every recreational vehicle site within the RV Park will need to have easy access to an internal private roadway, which is also expected to have access to a public street. In the state of Texas, the entrance of the internal roadway will need to be a pavement width of at least thirty (30) feet with an adequate curb radius.

Meanwhile, in accordance with planning standards, the internal streets will need to have a pavement width (concrete or asphalt) of twenty-four (24) feet and be devoted solely to the public as an emergency access (fire lane) easement. If the RV Park is developed for one-way roads, the roadway width may be fifteen (15) feet.

Each emergency access easement should have a clear unblocked width of twenty-four (24) feet (fifteen (15) feet if one-way) as well as a turning area and radii of at least sixty (60) feet to allow emergency vehicles free movement. No dead ends are permitted.

Metal signs will also need to be mounted along the emergency access easement by the owner or agent of the RV Park, noting that parking is prohibited.

Have in mind that the sign type, size, height, and location will need to be approved by the city. The city engineer must approve the installation of sufficient street lighting for the RV Park. There shall be no access to the RV park via a residential area (single-family, two-family, or single-family attached).

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  1. Required Facilities

Also note that every RV Park is expected to have an office for the manager of the RV Park, and bathroom and shower facilities, coupled with laundry facilities. Note that all facilities used by residents will need to have sufficient light inside and out during the night hours.

Facilities will also have to meet all Texas Standard Plumbing Codes. Additionally, RV parks in Texas will need at least one recreation area, located to be free of traffic hazards, very accessible to all park residents, and centrally located where topography permits.

In addition, recreational facilities must account for at least eight (8) percent of the gross park area. Recreation areas include space for community buildings and community use facilities like adult recreation (basketball court or tennis court) and children’s playgrounds, as well as swimming pools, but exclude vehicle parking, maintenance, and utility areas.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Location for RV Park

  1. Lease or Rent Price

One of the major factors you should consider before you choose a location for your RV park is the rent or lease price of the land. If you cannot afford the rent price of the land you want to use for your RV park, you will never get started, and your business plan will never be translated into reality.

  1. Proximity to the Market

Aside from paying the rent or lease agreement of a piece of land, another factor that will influence your decision when looking for a location to build your RV park is proximity to the market. If you settle for a location just because it is cheap, and the location is not accessible to your target market, then you will spend more or struggle to get people to make use of your RV park.

  1. Demographic Composition

The demographic composition of the location is an important factor to consider if you are looking for a location to build your RV park. If you get it wrong with this aspect of your business, you will find it difficult to attract people to your RV park.

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You should consider a location where the demographics compose of people who own recreational vehicles and people who love camping.

  1. Infrastructure and Accessibility

Another major factor to consider before choosing a location for your RV park is the infrastructure and accessibility of the location. Infrastructure facilities include roads, highways, and bridges, as well as the assets required to make them operational such as transit buses, vehicles, and gas stations.

Technical systems such as networking equipment and cabling are considered hard infrastructure and provide a critical function to support business operations.

  1. Competition

The competition is yet another key factor to consider before choosing a location for your RV park. Most businesses fail because they don’t have the capacity to survive the competition within their market space. If you are coming into a location with a competitive advantage that will place you way ahead of your competitors, then you may want to play down this factor.

But the truth remains that as a new business, it is advisable to start in a location that will guarantee you a monopoly of the business for a while before the competition starts.

FAQs

What is the law for RV parks in Texas? ›

Texas RV Park Rules and Contracts

There are no state laws governing what RV parks can charge RVs or the minimum or maximum amount of time an RV can stay at a park. All of these rules are determined solely by the owner of the RV park and vary from park to park.

Who governs RV parks in Texas? ›

RV Parks: Compliance Resources - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.texas.gov.

How many RVs can you have per acre in Texas? ›

A good rule of thumb to consider is approximately 10 pad sites per acre, with each pad site providing room for one RV, its utility connections, and one or two additional vehicles.

How do I start an RV park business in Texas? ›

How to Start an RV Park: 6 Steps
  1. Research. The recreational vehicle industry is unique and requires a lot of know-how to create a park that RV enthusiasts will want to patronize frequently. ...
  2. Business Plan. ...
  3. Acquire Land, Permits, and Insurance. ...
  4. Develop Land. ...
  5. Hire Personnel. ...
  6. Market Your Business.
Aug 30, 2022

What is the maximum length of RV allowed in Texas state parks? ›

Texas' state park campgrounds can fit RVs up to at least 45 feet, but site sizes vary per campground and the number of big rig sites may be limited. The reservation system allows searches by RV length.

Can you park an RV on your property Texas? ›

An RV, boat trailer, stock trailer, or other non-motorized vehicle can be parked on an improved surface between a dwelling and a public street if the property is larger than one acre and the vehicle is parked for no more than 72 hours at any one time.

Are RV parks profitable? ›

RV PARK RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

According to most sources, you can expect anywhere from a 10% to 20% return on your initial RV park investment. As a result, investors who are hoping to maximize their investment dollars should consider RV park investment a lucrative option.

Is an RV park HMDA reportable? ›

No, RVs are not dwellings for HMDA even when they serve as a dwelling. This does not mean that the RV is not a dwelling for other regulations, such as Regulation Z.

Do RVs have to stop at weigh stations in Texas? ›

The most common question RV owners have in regards to weigh stations is whether or not they are required to stop at them or not. In almost every case, the answer is no.

How many trailers can you put on 1 acre? ›

Estimates typically vary from 34-40 trailers per acre with no truck cab, assuming the acre is useful in shape, meaning closer to a square than a rectangle.

How many acres of land Can a person own in Texas? ›

Rural homesteads are limited to 200 acres for a family and 100 acres for a single adult, including improvements on the property. An urban homestead is limited to ten acres with improvements, which must be in adjacent lots.

Can I buy land and live in an RV? ›

Let's get right into it: Is it legal to live in an RV on land you own? The short answer is: Yes, as long as you live in the right place. The primary factor to consider is your jurisdiction's zoning codes. Most cities have rules that require all places of residence (RVs included) to follow the same ordinances.

What makes a great RV park? ›

The perfect RV campsite is spacious, private, shaded, and level, with full hook-ups and ADA-accessible sites available. A spacious site is large enough for the RV itself and any awnings or side pop-outs, so campers can use their rig to its full advantage.

How to build your own RV park? ›

  1. Develop a Business Plan. Begin your new enterprise by developing a business plan. ...
  2. Find a Location. Select an appropriate parcel for the RV park. ...
  3. Hire a Landscape Architect. ...
  4. Obtain Required Permits. ...
  5. Begin Construction Work. ...
  6. Complete Signage and Facilities Testing.

How do I run a successful RV park? ›

A Complete Guide to Running a Successful RV Park
  1. Understand the Industry In-Depth. Choosing to invest in an RV park requires inner drive, innovation, and patience. ...
  2. Get the Ideal Location. ...
  3. Add Popular Amenities. ...
  4. Hire Efficient Personnel. ...
  5. Create Compelling Market Strategies. ...
  6. Utilize a Booking Platform.

Why do RV parks have a 10 year rule? ›

Why Do RV Parks Have a 10 Year Rule? The “10-Year Rule” was established by campground owners and owners of RV resorts to keep old, poorly maintained motorhomes and travel trailers from parking on their property (especially long term).

What size RV is allowed in most parks? ›

Almost 98% of National Park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You will still have a large number of options if your RV is up to 25 feet since more than 90% of parks permit that length. On average, national parks will allow RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet.

Can you carry guns in Texas state parks? ›

Anyone 21 years old or older may carry a handgun in a holster (with or without a license) in most state parks. Handguns are not allowed in parks that are leased from the federal government. Check with the park before you go. Refer to Texas State Park Regulations for specific regulations - 59.134(d).

Where can I live in my RV in Texas? ›

Where to Find Year-Round Texas RV Campgrounds
  • La Hacienda RV Resort.
  • Spring Creek Park.
  • South Padre Island KOA.
  • Pecan Park Riverside RV Park.
  • Fun-n-Sun RV Resort.
  • Southern Comfort RV Resort.
Dec 8, 2020

What is the travel trailer law in Texas? ›

• Texas Trailer Dimension Laws

The total length of a trailer and the towing vehicle cannot exceed 65 feet, including bumpers. There is no law regulating trailer length alone. Height cannot exceed 14 feet, and width may not exceed 102 inches, excluding mirrors and safety devices.

Can you claim an RV on your taxes in Texas? ›

The interest on the purchase of an RV, trailer, motor home or camper can be deducted if it meets the definition of a qualified home. If it has a place to sleep, cooking facilities and toilet facilities, it qualifies as a home.

What is a good cap rate for RV park? ›

Cap rates in the campground market can range from 5 percent to 15 percent – with most parks falling between 8 percent to 11 percent.

Are RV parks passive income? ›

Turn Your Hobby into a Passive Income Earner

RV parks are among the highest-yielding investments of all real estate classes. Once you invest in property campgrounds, you may receive returns of between 10 to 20% on your money. Other real estate markets offer an average of 8.6% return annually.

Do campground owners make money? ›

In North America, the campground franchise can make 80% of its annual returns over only three months. This period is usually between June throughout August. The campground business is very lucrative, but only if you do it right. Owning a campground or RV park is not for everyone.

What is an example of HMDA violation? ›

Not performing tests, audits, or transaction tests of data; Allowing inconsistent data definitions among different lines of business; Inadequate monitoring of vendors; and.

What are the three most common errors in HMDA reporting? ›

The errors that we reviewed included: Failing to capture all HMDA-reportable transactions. Reporting the incorrect loan amount. Assigning the wrong geographies via geocoding.

Which transactions would not be reported under HMDA? ›

If the loan or line of credit is neither a closed-end mortgage loan nor an open-end line of credit, the transaction does not involve a covered loan, and the financial institution is not required to report information related to the transaction.

Do RVs need license plates in Texas? ›

Registration is required for all non-farm trailers operating on public highways. Registration and titling requirements vary according to trailer type and weight. Most utility trailers fall into two categories: Manufactured (built by a trailer manufacturer)

Do pickups with trailers need to stop at weigh stations? ›

As far as pulling a trailer with a pickup truck and the trailer does not exceed or have a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, and you are not for hire, you will also not need to stop at a weigh station. Remember that all trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 or more must be equipped with brakes on all wheels.

Is it illegal to live in an RV full time in Texas? ›

The quick answer is yes, as long as your RV is registered in Texas, your driver's license is from Texas, and the property is zoned for residential living, you can legally live in an RV.

How many bags can one acre produce? ›

The number of bags of maize a one acre farmland can produce depends on a lot of factors. A one acre of farmland of maize in one location can produce 20 bags of dry maize (100kg bags) while in another location, it may be as low as 5 bags.

How many trailers can be pulled at once? ›

It is unlawful to pull more than one trailer at a time behind a motor vehicle, except for a motor carrier that has a combination consisting of a tractor and two trailers in which the combined length does not exceed 61 feet.”

How many cars can you fit in 1 acre? ›

each acre of land contains 43,560 square feet, a simple mathematical computation shows if each parking space requires 180 square feet, 1 acre of land would accommodate 242 parking spaces.

How many acres is tax exempt in Texas? ›

Ag exemption requirements vary by county, but generally you need at least 10 acres of qualified agricultural land to be eligible. Check with your county to verify.

Can you shoot a deer on your property without a license in Texas? ›

A hunting license is required for any person (of any age) to hunt any animal in Texas, except under the following circumstances: Coyotes if they are attacking, are about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock or domestic animals. Feral hogs on private property (must have landowner authorization)

What is property code 41.003 in Texas? ›

Temporary Renting of a Homestead. Temporary renting of a homestead does not change its homestead character if the homestead claimant has not acquired another homestead. Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch.

Are RV prices going down? ›

The RVIA sees this decline as a return to normal market trends, which it expects to carry over in 2023. As 2022 draws to a close, RV prices are declining across all classes but one. Class B motorhomes are still very in high demand, perhaps in response to high fuel prices.

Is it financially smart to live in an RV? ›

It is financially smart to live in an RV. Living in an RV means living a lot smaller with a lot less stuff. You have less room for everything – clothes, toys, tools and more saving you a lot of money. Along with less space, you save on utilities and home-improvement projects if you own your home.

Can you write off an RV as a primary residence? ›

The IRS allows taxpayers to designate one residence only as a main home at any one time. Your main home is the one where you ordinarily live most of the year. This can be a boat or RV even if it doesn't have a permanent location.

How much does it cost to build an RV park in Texas? ›

On average, RV parks in Texas cost about $20,000 per pad site to build. Over half of that cost is related to roads, driveways, pad sites, utilities, landscaping and other infrastructure. In Texas alone, new RV parks and campgrounds totaling over 2,500 sites have opened in 2021 or are scheduled to open in 2022.

What is the difference between an RV park and a trailer park? ›

With a mobile home park, the manager will typically see the residents of each space only once per month when the rent is paid and anytime there is a problem. However, with an RV Park you may have a new camper in the space every day or every few days.

What people look for in an RV park? ›

The list of basic things that RVers typically look for in a campground include level campsites, full hook-ups, affordable prices and campground amenities. But certain circumstances may also determine the campground in which the RVer chooses to stay — depending on the day of the week, the weather and the location.

Is owning a RV park profitable? ›

RV PARK RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

According to most sources, you can expect anywhere from a 10% to 20% return on your initial RV park investment. As a result, investors who are hoping to maximize their investment dollars should consider RV park investment a lucrative option.

Are RV parks good investments? ›

RV parks are a very high-yielding investment, with returns from 10% to 20%+ on your money. RV parks are among the highest-yielding of all real estate asset classes. So if your goal is to maximize the return on your money, RV parks are not a bad starting spot.

Can I park my RV on the street in Texas? ›

An RV, boat trailer, stock trailer, or other non-motorized vehicle can be parked on an improved surface between a dwelling and a public street if the property is larger than one acre and the vehicle is parked for no more than 72 hours at any one time.

Can I turn my field into a campsite? ›

You can generally change the use of land from agriculture to 'something else' for up to 28 days per year without the need to make a planning application through permitted development rights. However, anything that occurs for over 28 days in a year will generally require permission, even if it is only seasonal.

Why are RV parks always full? ›

With more RVs hitting the roads and campgrounds unable to add sites as quickly, it's a simple game of supply and demand. The demand for campsites has skyrocketed, but the supply of quality campsites hasn't shifted much. So many more people are looking to camp, especially during the prime summer months.

How do full time RVs make money? ›

Read on to understand six of the most essential ways you can use your recreational time to generate substantial income to support your needs and goals.
  1. Telecommuting. Many businesses allow people to work online full-time. ...
  2. Freelancing Online. ...
  3. Workamping. ...
  4. Start a Blog. ...
  5. Amazon CamperForce. ...
  6. Become an RV Technician.
Jun 11, 2020

Can you live in an RV legally in Texas? ›

Can You Live in an RV in Texas? The quick answer is yes, as long as your RV is registered in Texas, your driver's license is from Texas, and the property is zoned for residential living, you can legally live in an RV.

Can you park an RV at Six Flags Over Texas? ›

All of the thrill rides, characters, and delicious fried food may make you wish you could spend days at Six Flags Over Texas, but sadly there is no overnight RV camping. Travelers will find RV campgrounds in the immediate area and within an hour's drive in Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

Can you Boondock in Texas state parks? ›

From Big Bend National Park to Lockhart State Park, Texas offers visitors a bit of everything. With just a little planning and preparation, you can have an amazing adventure boondocking in Texas! Keep reading to learn more about boondocking in Texas and discover some of the state's best spots for RV boondocking.

Can passengers drink alcohol in an RV in Texas? ›

Camping vehicles, including motorhomes or campers, are an exception to the rules and are a complete defense to your case. It is not illegal for passengers to drink alcohol inside these types of vehicles.

Can you drink in the back of an RV in Texas? ›

Also, if you have a recreational vehicle (RV), self-contained trailer or motorhome, you may meet the other Texas open container law exception. Open containers in the living quarters of these vehicles are generally not considered a violation of the law.

What happens if your RV is overweight at a weigh station? ›

Your weight could be unevenly distributed, which causes sway. Depending on the weight rating, you could be damaging the RV frame. Depending on the weight rating, you could be damaging your tires. You can void your insurance claim if you get in an accident and the insurance company learns you were overweight.

Can you bring an empty water bottle into Six Flags Over Texas? ›

No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed to be brought into Six Flags Over Texas.

Can you bring alcohol into Texas state parks? ›

Can I drink alcohol in a state park? It is against park rules to drink or display an alcoholic beverage in a public place at any time. All outdoor areas are public in a state park. Also, we cannot sell alcoholic beverages within a state park.

Where do you mount a flag on an RV? ›

Some RV flag pole mounts attach to the motorhome or camper's back ladder. While others may secure to the ground via tire flag pole mounts or to your RV's hitch receiver. But if you don't want to carry a big flag pole, there are smaller flag pole brackets that can secure to your RV either permanently or temporarily.

Is Constitutional Carry allowed in Texas state parks? ›

Arms and firearms

A person 21 years of age or older may carry a handgun in a holster with or without a license in compliance with Texas State Law (Constitutional Carry). Handguns are not allowed in parks leased from the federal government, except by written authorization of the governing federal facility.

Does Texas have any BLM land? ›

A hidden gem lay just north of Amarillo – twelve thousand acres of public land known as the Cross Bar Management Area. Some fifteen miles northwest of Amarillo, Texas, the BLM administers 11,883 acres of surface estate on the Cross Bar. The Cross Bar is the only BLM-administered surface estate in Texas.

How long can you last Boondocking? ›

Depending upon what you power and how much, you can generally boondock for 2-7 days. But a lot depends on what type of batteries you use. If your batteries aren't efficient, and don't hold much charge, your trip will be shortened substantially.

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