Upson County is announcing a ninety (90) day amnesty program which requires registration by those currently living in RVs that are titled and registered in the owner-occupant’s name. Upson County does not permit establishing or maintaining one’s home in an RV. The Transitional Residential Recreational Vehicle (TRRV) program, allows owner-occupants who register with the County to continue to live in their RVs until such time as the RV is moved from its registered location, the RV is sold or otherwise changes hands or the registered owner-occupant moves from the RV. Registration for the program runs from Monday, December 10, 2018 to Monday, March 11, 2019. Registration is through the Upson County Building and Zoning Department located at 305 S. Hightower Street, Suite D-100 in downtown Thomaston, located in the Drake Building. Office hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on weekends and holidays. Questions about the program can be answered by calling the Department at 706/647-1297.
Elements of registering for the program include completing an application form, providing a copy of the RV’s registration and/or title, a photo ID and the RV passing inspection. Annual renewal will be required. The fee for the initial registration and annual renewal is currently $25 per year. Decals will be issued and must be attached to the rear of the RV. Any RV owner-occupants not registered by the March 11, 2019 deadline will not be eligible to register and will be subject to code enforcement action for illegally living in an RV. Those renting the RV that they are living in are not eligible for the program. This program was adopted by the Upson County Board of Commissioners October 9, 2018, through Ordinance No. 266.
Living in an RV has not been permitted in Upson County since 1995, when the County Zoning Ordinance was first adopted. It is Upson County policy that recreational vehicles shall not be considered equivalent to, nor be permitted as, permanent residential structures. Permanent residential structures are built to meet either State of Georgia/International Code Council (ICC) Building Codes or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards. Recreational vehicles are built for and intended for short-term vacation stays, itinerant travel, temporary emergency shelter, special circumstances housing and the like.