Qualicum Beach council has discussed a bylaw stating that RVs are not allowed as a dwelling unit in the town, as well as the idea of relaxing the rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Luke Sales, director of planning for the town, recenty took questions about the town’s monthly bylaw report, which included complaints of people living in RVs on properties.
Sales explained that RVs aren’t permitted as a dwelling unit in the town, nor are they allowed if there’s already a house and a secondary dwelling on a property, during an April 22 council meeting.
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Coun. Scott Harrison brought up the idea of people needing to isolate in RVs due to COVID-19.
“I’ve been reading some news stories about people who are choosing to live in their RV on property in order to self-isolate from the rest of their family, if they’re in a high-risk role such as first responders or healthcare worker,” said Harrison.
Sales suggested council discuss the idea of pulling back on bylaws in an in-camera meeting.
“We do need to recognize that there’s unique circumstances right now, but the bylaws still do need to be enforced, especially when the town receives complaints,” said Sales.
Moving forward, Sales said the discussion around potential conflict with zoning regulations and social distancing needed due to COVID-19 is open-ended.
“Staff will continue to monitor the situation and discuss further if the need arises,” said Sales in an email.