Thinking of Expanding Your RV Park? Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to Navigate the Entitlement Process

Is my park ready to expand? Graphic

 

Expanding your RV park can be an exciting opportunity to grow your business, unlock new revenue streams, and attract a broader customer base. However, the entitlement process—the legal steps required to gain approval for land development—can be complex and time-consuming. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve created a detailed guide to ensure your project’s compliance and success.

1. Assess Feasibility

Before diving into the expansion process, conduct a comprehensive feasibility study. This involves:

  • Market Analysis: Evaluate demand for RV parks or campgrounds in your area. Identify your target audience, analyze competitor offerings, and determine pricing strategies for your expanded amenities.
  • Site Analysis: Review your property’s zoning regulations, environmental restrictions, and infrastructure capacity. Assess factors like utility availability, road access, and potential environmental concerns to ensure the site can support expansion.

2. Understand Local Regulations

Regulatory requirements vary widely based on location. To avoid costly setbacks:

  • Determine current utility capacity for sewer and water. Public: get approval for additional capacity and determine if there are any tap fees associated with expansion which can be very costly. Private: speak with engineer on current system capacity and need for expansion and space requirements.
  • Research local zoning and city ordinances if applicable to determine what types of expansions are permitted.
  • Engage with city or county planning departments early in the process to clarify requirements for permits and approvals.
  • Investigate specific RV park regulations, such as minimum pad sizes, material usage, setback requirements, and environmental impact standards.

Generally speaking, expansion and new development is easier if the property is located outside city limits, outside of any ETJ and only in the County jurisdiction.

3. Secure Professional Assistance

Expanding your RV park is a multidisciplinary effort that requires expert guidance. Assemble a team of professionals, such as:

  • Civil Engineers: To assist with site design, grading, and utility layouts.
  • Land-Use Planners: To navigate zoning and land-use approvals.
  • Environmental Consultants: To address any environmental concerns or requirements.
  • Attorneys: To handle legal complexities, including property rights and compliance issues.

These experts will ensure your project adheres to all technical and regulatory requirements. Speak with contractors who have done previous RV development to gather construction bids.

4. Prepare Detailed Plans

Detailed site plans are critical for gaining approval from regulatory bodies and stakeholders. Your plans should include:

  • Proposed RV pads, glamping sites, or campground areas.
  • Utility layouts for water, electricity, and sewage systems.
  • Planned amenities such as restrooms, laundry facilities, or recreational spaces.
  • Access roads, parking areas, and landscaping designs.
  • Invest in high-quality visuals and diagrams to present your vision clearly.

5. Submit Permits

The permitting process is one of the most time-consuming aspects of expanding an RV park. Depending on your location and project scope, you may need:

  • Land-use permits to authorize the intended expansion.
  • Utility permits, particularly septic and wastewater discharge, are often the most time consuming as multiple approvals are needed.
  • Building permits for construction or renovations.
  • Environmental impact assessments to ensure your project complies with ecological standards.

6. Engage with the Community

Community support can make or break your expansion project. Build goodwill by:

  • Hosting community meetings to share your plans and address concerns.
  • Highlighting the benefits your expansion will bring, such as job creation, increased tourism, or improved local infrastructure.
  • Being responsive to feedback and adjusting your plans to accommodate reasonable requests.

7. Navigate the Approval Process

Once permits are submitted, prepare for:

  • Public hearings or planning commission meetings where your plans may be reviewed.
  • Possible feedback or conditions from local authorities or stakeholders. Be flexible and ready to make adjustments as needed.

8. Break Ground!

Reach out to us for additional guidance about securing financing for RV park acquisition and expansion.

With all approvals and permits in hand, you’re ready to move forward with construction. To ensure a smooth process:

  • Review all contractor construction bids with a third party, ensure scope of work is clearly defined and payment terms are acceptable.
  • Hire only experienced contractors familiar with RV park or campground development. Visit other parks recently constructed by the contractor, speak with owners who hired them.
  • Monitor progress closely to stay on budget and meet timelines.
  • Communicate regularly with your team to address issues promptly.

 

Why Partner with a Specialized RV Park Broker?

Navigating the entitlement process can be daunting, but partnering with professionals who specialize in RV park, campground, and glamping development can streamline the journey. As experienced brokers in outdoor hospitality real estate, we can connect you with trusted consultants, provide market insights, and guide you through every step of the process.

 

Ready to turn your expansion vision into reality? Contact us today to discuss your project and take the first step toward growing your outdoor hospitality business!