RV and Trailer Parking and Storage Study

Project background

The Municipality initiated a Recreational Vehicle (RV) and Trailer Parking Storage Study encompassing Clarington’s rural areas in early 2021. The purpose of the Study is to analyze whether the existing provisions for the parking and storage of RVs and trailers in the rural areas are appropriate and whether further policy options are required for RV and trailer parking and storage. The Study proposed options and identified potential land use designations and zoned areas where RV and trailer parking and storage may be appropriate.

RV usage has grown increasingly more popular in recent years as more people embrace an active outdoor lifestyle. With increased RV usage, there are corresponding parking and storage requirements issues that need to be dealt with.

Study findings

The Study involved a review of storage provisions in similar and surrounding municipalities, policy research, two online surveys and a virtual public open house.

The results of the public consultation showed high demand for storage of RVs and trailers, with an emphasis on outdoor storage within the rural areas of Clarington.

The background research highlighted the approaches taken by other municipalities while also identifying the governing planning policies that Staff must consider when developing provisions. In essence, these policies provide a challenge for commercial storage land uses. Such uses are not generally permitted in rural areas, specifically on prime agricultural lands, which are to be preserved for use in agriculture. However, these uses are also discouraged in urban areas and specifically on employment lands, which are to be protected for higher employment-generating uses.

Study options and next steps

Based on the background research and public consultation, several options for addressing RV and trailer storage were presented to the Planning and Development Committee on June 28, 2021, including options that considered both commercial and personal storage in urban and rural areas.

The Planning and Development Committee endorsed the recommendations and have directed Staff to include the outlined options in Zone Clarington and the upcoming Official Plan Review. In addition, Staff will refer topics of on-farm diversified uses and their related guidelines to the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington for their input.

Project information

Reports

Public consultation

Public Open House

A virtual Public Open House was held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, and a copy of the presentation slides can be downloaded below.

May 12 Public Open House Presentation Slides (PDF)

Online surveys

The online surveys are now closed.

As the Study progresses, we will provide more information, including additional opportunities for consultation. Subscribe to this page for updates.

Frequently asked questions

What is a recreational vehicle?

A recreational vehicle is a vehicle that is used predominantly for recreational purposes, including recreational trailers, snowmobiles, motorized and non-motorized boats, personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles and recreational motor vehicles.

Recreational Vehicle Sales and Service
An establishment where new and/or used recreational vehicles and related accessories are displayed for sale or rent and where recreational vehicles are serviced, repaired, and/or stored.

Recreational Vehicle Storage
A commercial establishment for the storage of licensed recreational vehicles and their trailers.

What is a trailer?

A trailer is a vehicle designed to be attached to a motor vehicle for the purposes of being drawn or propelled. The term trailer does not include a trailer that is designed to be attached to a commercial motor vehicle.

What is a mobile home?

A mobile home is a dwelling designed to be mobile, and is constructed or manufactured to provide a temporary, mobile or portable residence for one or more persons, but does not include a trailer as defined by By-law 2005-109.

How are RVs and trailers currently regulated?

The parking or storage of more than three RVs or trailers on private property is currently not permitted in Clarington's rural areas, except by site-specific amendment to the Zoning By-law. Outdoor recreational vehicle storage is a permitted use in the General Industrial (M2) Zone and certain exception zones.

In urban residential zones, the parking or storage of more than one RV or trailer on a private property is currently not permitted. A RV or trailer that exceeds 5.5 metres in length or 2.4 metres in height cannot be parked on a driveway for more than 120 hours in one calendar month and must maintain a minimum 0.5 metre setback to the street. A RV or trailer may be parked or stored in a side or rear yard of a private property in an urban residential zone, providing it does not exceed six metres in length or 2.9 metres in height.