County Supervisors to Vote March 10 on RV Housing Ordinance

Nevada County is taking a locally-tailored approach to affordable housing with a proposed Alternative Housing/RV Dwelling Ordinance that would allow property owners on larger rural parcels to host permitted recreational vehicles as safe, legal permanent housing.

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors will hold a final public hearing and vote on the ordinance at 1:30 p.m. on March 10 at Rood Center.

Why Rural Nevada County Needs a Different Approach

California's primary affordable housing programs, including SB 35, are designed for higher-density urban and suburban areas. SB 35 streamlines environmental review (removing the California Environmental Quality Act process) for affordable housing projects, but only when they meet "infill" development standards—building on already-developed sites in areas with close proximity to commercial density and transit.

Rural communities like Nevada County face structural barriers. "Most housing grants focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled and supporting proximity to high-quality transit," according to a statement by Liz Flores-Lathan, a real estate professional and member of the No Place To Go Project Community Action Team. "We don't qualify because we lack the commercial density to support close proximity to work, and our bus lines are sparse."

County's Housing and Community Development Designation

Despite these challenges, Nevada County has been proactive. The county earned the state's Housing and Community Development Prohousing Designation in 2025—recognition that it is taking innovative steps to address housing affordability.

California counties must adopt a mandatory 8-year housing element showing how they will meet housing needs for all residents. Failure to comply risks triggering the "Builders' Remedy," which allows developers to bypass local zoning codes and General Plans, potentially allowing projects at densities that conflict with rural character.

The proposed RV ordinance is part of Nevada County's strategy to maintain control over land-use decisions while expanding housing options.

How the Ordinance Would Work

The Alternative Housing/RV Dwelling Ordinance would permit a single RV per property on 3 or more acres, allowing individual property owners to utilize surplus acreage for safe, permanent housing. The proposal aims to balance property rights with community safety concerns.

A key component of the ordinance addresses compliance and enforcement—a concern voiced by residents worried about illegal trailer parks, fire hazards, and zoning violations. Supporters argue that the ordinance would convert "current lawlessness" into documented, permitted structures subject to inspection and oversight.

Community Hearing Upcoming

The March 10 hearing is the final public comment opportunity before the supervisors' vote. Community members with concerns or support for the ordinance are invited to participate.

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Sources:

• Nevada County Board of Supervisors agenda/hearing notice (March 10, 2026)
• YubaNet guest column by Liz Flores-Lathan on housing policy (February 9, 2026)
• California housing policy context (SB 35, Housing and Community Development Designation program)