BEND, OR -- Deschutes County is considering rules for allowing motorhomes and camping trailers to be used as permanent rental housing. But County Commissioners aren’t yet ready to move forward. 

Commissioner Phil Chang tells KBND News RV rental housing is allowed under a bill passed by the 2023 legislature, "This bill authorizes rural property owners in Rural Residential areas to host one RV on their property near their permanent dwelling, year round, as a rental." But, he says, "The Board of Commissioners decided not to proceed to a public hearing to create a program right away. We had a lot of questions that we want answered before we either decide to move forward with a program or not. It’s optional. The state authorized it. But a county can decide to opt out."

Commissioners are waiting for more information about what infrastructure improvements might be needed for safety, like a roofing structure to protect the RV from snow, concrete parking pad, and electrical, water and sewer connections, and what impact those improvements might have on property tax assessments. There are also concerns about how the increase in tenants might increase the strain on septic systems and firefighting resources. 

"I think that this is a really important opportunity to expand the housing and the housing options that we have in our community," says Chang, "But it will be complicated to implement."

Commissioners will discuss the possibility of moving forward after more research by county staff.