To comply with State updates on zoning, Clackamas County has the choice to adopt two amendments which are optional. One is accepting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in rural residential zones, and the other is accepting Recreational Vehicles (RVs) for residential use as second dwellings. Our CPO approved a letter to the County before a County Commissioners Meeting on May 8, 2024 at 10:00 am.
The following is our letter:
April 18, 2024
To: Clackamas County and Clackamas County Board of Commissioners
Submitted in care of Martha Fritzie, Principal Planner at mfritzie@clackamas.us
Re: ZDO-285
Redland-Viola-Fischers Mill CPO appreciates and acknowledges the need for additional affordable housing in Clackamas County and supports the State and County efforts in addressing that need. However, we are concerned with the scope of the new allowances the County is proposing regarding ADUs and RVs. We believe more specific definitions should be incorporated, and that County code enforcement of these new allowances should be enhanced to meet these newest needs.
ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units):
- In some Oregon cities, “tiny homes” have also been defined as ADUs. Are there standards in place for “tiny homes” and would these residences be a consideration for acceptable ADUs in Clackamas County? Could “tiny homes” also be considered RVs?
RVs: (Recreational Vehicles):
- The current definition of RVs is extensive and even includes campers and tent trailers. Under ZDO-285, the RV section needs to be very specific as these will be year-round living units. We suggest limiting acceptable RV designation to Class A, B, C and travel trailers a minimum 24 feet in length.
- In order to assure safe habitation, the rental agreements for RVs should require functioning bathrooms with toilets and tubs or showers, food prep areas with cooking and refrigeration appliances, and adequate heating and ventilation per square footage acceptability.
- The RVs (mobile units) would need to be parked on a permanent pad with utility hook-ups (water, electricity, and sewer or septic). Solid exteriors should be mandatory for safety, protection from the weather, and for personal security. In addition, tie-downs would be necessary for winds and structural integrity. If at a later date, the RV is moved to a different location on the same property, new application for County approval would be required.
- The RVs cannot be used for a short-term rental.
If approved without alteration, the new ordinance amendments should be temporary until the communities have fully experienced the changes and can propose further needed alterations. We also ask the County to commit to a report with evaluations of the ZDO-285 at the end of the first year and second years. We want to be assured that we will have code enforcement of the ZDO-285 for the safety and protection of all our residents. In order to ensure this project is viable, more funds will need to be available for code enforcement.
Respectfully submitted,
Redland-Viola-Fischers Mill CPO