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1. How is RV defined?

Under the proposed definition, a Recreational Vehicle (RV) is defined as:

“Any vehicle, conveyance, or other type of unit or trailer, whether motorized, towed, self-propelled, or otherwise transportable and used for recreational, utility, or similar purposes, and includes, but is not limited to, motor homes (Class A, B, or C), travel trailers, truck campers, off-highway vehicles, boats and other watercraft, and all trailers used to carry or transport any such item.”

2. Where can I find references to RV parking in current TTV and TBD Bylaws?

Black Diamond - Land Use Bylaw 21-10 - Amendment of Land Use Bylaw 21-06 

Black Diamond - Traffic Bylaw 2021-09 - Section 5

Turner Valley - Property Responsibility Bylaw 20-1107 - Section 3.2 and Appendix A (Penalties)

Turner Valley Traffic & Parking Control Bylaw 20-1106 - Section 16, Section 17

3. What are the current rules for RV parking?

In the (former) Town of Turner Valley:

- Recreational Vehicles are permitted to be parked on private property on a driveway constructed of either crushed gravel, cement, concrete, pavement, aggregate, on any other materials unless otherwise approved by the CAO or pursuant to a valid permit issued by the Town. Bylaw 20-1107 Section 3.2

- Recreational Vehicles are permitted to be parked on the street immediately adjacent to their own place of residence for up to 48 hours. Bylaw 20-1106 Section 17.1, 17.2

- Recreational vehicles may not be pared on the street in Town between November 1 and May 1 each year unless they are in the immediate process of loading or unloading. Bylaw 20-1106 Section 17.3

In the (former) Town of Black Diamond

- Recreational Vehicles may be parked in the front yard from April 1 to Oct 31 on a private front driveway, a maximum of two units allowed, all portions of unit are set back a minimum of 1m from sidewalk, or 1.5m from curb if there is no sidewalk. Bylaw 21-10 Section 5.0 (Amending Bylaw 21-06 Section 8.10.1(e)(i)(a,b,c)) 

- Recreational Vehicles shall not be occupied for more than 15 days in a year for more than 3 consecutive days at a time. Bylaw 21-10 Section 5.0 (Amending Bylaw 21-06 Section 8.10.1(e)(i)(d))

- Up to two Recreational Vehicles may be parked in the rear or side-lot year round. Bylaw 21-10 Section 6.0 (Amending Bylaw 21-06 Section 8.10.1(e))

- In R-1, R-1A, R-1C and R-2 Districts, one off-street parking pad may be permitted per parcel in the front setback to a maximum width of 9.15m (30ft) and the pad shall be constructed of materials suitable to support vehicle traffic such as gravel, concrete or asphalt. Bylaw 21-10 Section 7.0 (Amending Bylaw 21-06 Section 8.14.5(f))

- Parking of Recreational Vehicles will be prohibited in front yards and on the streets, except for a 24-hour period for trip or RV storage preparation. Bylaw 21-10 Section 8.0 (Amending Bylaw 21-06 Section 10.5.5)

- Recreational Vehicles must not be parked on Town streets between November 1 - April 1 unless they are in the immediate process of loading or unloading. Bylaw 2021-09 Section 5.17

- No Recreational Vehicle may be detached from the vehicle by which it may be propelled or drawn while parked upon a street in town. Bylaw 2021-09 Section 5.18

- Recreational Vehicles shall not be parked on a roadway for more than 48 consecutive hours. Bylaw 2021-09 Section 5.19

- Recreational Vehicles shall not be used as a residence or temporary residence while parked on a street within Town. Bylaw 2021-09 Section 5.20

- Vehicles may not be parked in alleyways except while actively loading or unloading goods or passengers from the vehicle. Bylaw 2021-09 Section 5.21

4. Why are there restrictions on RV parking?

The existing rules were intended to mitigate the potential impacts of RV parking on properties and neighborhoods.

A limited term for front area parking allows for reasonable use and limits the negative impact of RVs’ weight, length and height. Negative impacts can be split into two main categories:

• Visibility/safety: RVs can block the view along a street and affect visibility and safety for pedestrians, bikers, drivers and anyone else using the street. Corner visibility can also be affected.
• Aesthetics: large (or multiple) RVs on a property can be out of character and scale for a neighbourhood and have a negative impact on how the community looks.

5. What are known impacts and benefits of RV parking?

The following are known impacts from allowing RV parking on residential front driveways and parking stalls:

• obstructed sightlines
• safety
• esthetics

Known benefits:

• convenience
• cost-effectiveness
• sense of security

Seasonal parking is a way for some large municipalities to support owners and residents of a community, with the condition that the RV is not unsightly (i.e. poor condition), encroaching on Town property, and is meeting other bylaw requirements.