Washington County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 28
TEMPORARY HOUSING ACCOMMODATION PILOT PROGRAM
10-28-1: TEMPORARY HOUSING ACCOMMODATION PILOT PROGRAM:
A. The purpose of this section is to create a pilot program to provide a temporary housing accommodation during the current housing crisis. The County may terminate this program at any time, but it shall automatically sunset without further action on May 15, 2028. A Recreational Vehicle (RV) or Tiny House on Wheels (THOW) as defined in Section 10-4-1
may be used as a temporary housing accommodation on a lot or parcel in a zone that allows single-family dwellings as a permitted use, subject to meeting all following requirements:
1. A temporary use permit must be approved prior to occupancy.
a. The temporary use permit must be renewed yearly or it is deemed expired.
b. A temporary use permit may only be renewed twice, for a total limit of three years for any temporary housing accommodation.
2. The primary dwelling on the lot or parcel must be owner occupied. For purposes of this section, an "owner-occupant" shall have a primary residential exemption on the lot or parcel as determined by the Washington County Assessor's office, and shall be a permanent, full time resident at the same address.
3. The use of a RV or THOW as a STR is prohibited.
4. The use of a RV or THOW for more than three (3) people is prohibited.
5. The utilities for the RV or THOW must be installed to state and health department standards.
a. The utilities must be run to a pedestal or the primary dwelling for a plug-in. Other options may be approved by the Building Official.
b. A functioning interior bathroom is required. Composting toilets or other alternative systems are not permitted. It is unlawful to empty any receptacle or fixture containing human excreta, human urine, or any other waste from a RV or THOW except into an approved waste system.
6. No structure can be connected to the RV or THOW such as an artic entrance, accessory building or skirting. A deck may be constructed immediately adjacent to the RV or THOW and connected to the ground. The deck may be minimally attached to the to the RV or THOW, so it easily can be removed to maintain the mobility of the RV or THOW.
7. RV must be roadworthy. The RV must have current registration, and be in a drivable, towable condition at all times.
8. Use of a generator is not permitted.
9. The temporary housing accommodation must be secondary in nature to the primary dwelling and for the purpose of temporarily accommodating only family members of the lot or parcel owner. The use of an RV or THOW as a temporary housing accommodation does not create a permitted structure, dwelling, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU). For the purpose of the temporary housing accommodation chapter only, the definition of "family" is as follows: Immediate family members of the property owner or spouse of the property owner, limited to a child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, sibling, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew. The definition of "family" in County Ord. § 10-4-1
does not apply to a temporary housing accommodation.
10. A RV or THOW may be used as a temporary housing accommodation for the lot or parcel owner if there is an active building permit for construction of a primary dwelling, and if construction is in process.
11. A RV or THOW approved as a temporary housing accommodation shall not be kept in the building setback on the lot or parcel, or in the front yard, street side yard or on the street. The RV or THOW must meet setbacks established for ADU's.
12. One off street parking space is required to accommodate a vehicle for the occupant of the RV or THOW.
13. No more than one RV or THOW may be used as temporary housing accommodation per lot or parcel.
14. These provisions do not apply to an owner's unoccupied RV stored on the lot or parcel.
B. Application and Permit Required: A property owner seeking the use of a RV or THOW as a temporary housing accommodation must submit a complete application and obtain a permit for the temporary use. The application and permit must be renewed annually, subject to the time limits herein.
C. Information Required:
1. Fully completed temporary use application forms.
2. All applicable fees.
3. Proof of ownership and owner occupancy of the primary dwelling.
4. Site plan, drawn to scale showing existing and proposed buildings, fences, general landscape layout, vehicle circulation, driveways, and the location of the RV or THOW and its parking and required setbacks.
5. Current RV registration.
6. Utility plan and hook-up locations.
7. Septic permit.
8. Photos of RV or THOW.
D. The complete temporary use permit application must be submitted to the Community Development Department for review and processing. The review and approval of a temporary use permit is an administrative decision handled at the staff level and does not require JUD or Planning Commission approval.
E. Any issued temporary use permit may be revoked or denied by the County because of:
1. The failure of the applicant to comply with conditions and requirements of this chapter or any other county ordinance;
2. Failure to provide and properly attach to approved utilities via a pedestal or the primary dwelling;
3. Eviction of the tenants or occupants of the RV or THOW;
4. Unlawful activities conducted or permitted upon the premises;
5. The temporary housing accommodation is obtained by deception or is issued to or obtained by an unauthorized person, or
6. The site, yard, or unit conditions create a nuisance.
F. The permitting of temporary housing accommodation, or any Hearing, or Appeal on Revocation or Denial, shall be processed as outlined in Washington County Code Title 10, Chapter 2. (Ord. 2022-1210-O, 6-21-2022; amd. Ord., 2-18-2025)