Using a Recreational Vehicle for Self-Isolation Due to COVID-19?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our healthcare and frontline workers may be required or may choose to isolate themselves for health reasons or for the safety of their family. In order to enable individuals to self-isolate near family support during this declared emergency, the existing provisions within the Municipality’s zoning by-law and its by-law regulating the parking of recreational vehicles (RVs) on lots within residential areas will be more flexible. The information below applies to the Municipality of Leamington only.

Know the rules

RVs may be used temporarily for self-isolation purposes with the following restrictions:

• The RV should be parked in a driveway and cannot block, obstruct, impede the sidewalk or the view of any vehicle on a road.

• Most RVs are only self-sufficient for three or four days, until tanks fill up or batteries run down.  RV owners must properly empty tanks that does not involve draining them in the public street, storm sewer or into a park or environmental reserve. 

• • For mobile RVs, residents can utilize the sanitary waste disposal station at the Leamington Pollution Control Centre (PCC) located at 435 Seacliff Drive East free of charge. The station is located directly north of the administration building (separate from the larger hauler station).

• •  For stationary RVs, residents can have the sanitary waste pumped out of their RV by a licensed hauler and transported to the PCC for disposal. The customer would be assessed a fee by the hauler for this option.

• RV propane tanks and gasoline generators pose a potential fire hazard risk. As such, use of external propane tanks and gasoline generators will not be allowed. Electrical extension cords within lots will be allowed for power and heat; however, users should endeavor to limit cables and hoses on sidewalk surfaces.

• RVs must have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

• RVs cannot be rented out for self-isolation purposes.

Length of Use

The intent is for RV use during self-isolation only. Once there is no longer a need for RV use for isolation, the restrictions within the above noted by-laws will be applied and persons who choose to be non-compliant may be subject to fines.

Municipal Inspections

The Municipality reserves the right to inspect any RV parked on a residential lot to ensure compliance with other applicable legislation, e.g. safety codes.

This is another example of the Municipality being flexible and taking action in response to COVID-19. For more information on COVID-19 planning and preparations by the Municipality, please visit: leamington.ca/COVID19.

Media Contact: 

Kelly Sfetkidis, Manager of Communications and Public Relations
Municipality of Leamington
kelly@leamington.ca
519-326-5761 ext. 1117