The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors in California is considering new regulations that could potentially restrict the overnight RV stay industry in the county booked through Harvest Hosts.
Currently, residents are able to allow overnight RV stays at their properties through the Harvest Hosts program, which is an RV membership program that allows self-contained travelers to stay overnight at unique locations around the country, including farms and wineries, and more.
However, a report by CalCoastNews.com states that code enforcement has raised concerns about unregulated camping creating a fire risk and RVs causing pollution, and has levied large fines on some hosts.
In response, the board of supervisors has asked staff for an opinion on the program, with the latter stating it will take months to develop a framework.
One of the supervisors suggested restricting Harvest Hosts to only commercial parking lots, which would limit the number of local hosts who can continue.
Harvest Hosts provides a unique overnight stay experience for travelers by letting them enjoy the offerings at a specific location. However, it does not always offer the same amenities and services that traditional campgrounds and RV parks do, such as water, power, waste disposal, and more.
The county is also cracking down on event venues that do not meet state requirements.
In the past years, the county allowed event venues to operate as vacation rentals without requiring a minor use permit. However, it has recently been determined that many of these venues, which were constructed in the past 15 years, do not meet current state guidelines.
As a result, the county has sent letters to 33 venues asking them to stop operating until they make changes to meet these guidelines, with some estimates placing the cost at over $250,000, according to the local report.
The board of supervisors voted to bring the issue back in January to create a new policy.
It looks like the county is taking a vigilant stance on safety and compliance, but they should also consider the impact on locals and visitors who enjoy the Harvest Hosts program. Finding a balanced solution is crucial to maintain accessibility and safety for all.