Pittsylvania County Virginia the largest county in the Commonwealth prohibits the usage of campers as places of abode.

Current ordinance was taken directly from the counties website.

Campers (recreational vehicles) cannot be used for “living, sleeping, or other occupancy when parked or stored on a residential lot or in any other location not approved for such use.” Campers can only be used for habitation when in an approved campground, regardless of the length of time.

 As a result this ordinance prohibits disaster relief agencies from helping county residents and tax payers from receiving assistance in the form of a travel trailer specifically to be used as a temporary place of abode following a physical, emotional, or spiritual storm of life.

Allowing the use of travel trailers during these times provides much more than shelter. This resource allows the affected individual or family the opportunity to remain on their property following a loss of their permanent dwelling. A family who is allowed to remain on their property can continue to care for their respective animals and pets, protect their belongings that were salvaged or stored in an outside storage shed, as well as having a place for their family to play outside and remain a family while their home is being reconstructed. Additionally, this resource saves insurance companies thousands of dollars a year in hotel/motel expenses. While allowing the family to remain on their property without abandoning their personal effects reduces potential criminal activity, theft, criminal trespass, and looting. 

In Pittsylvania County Virginia this is not an option as the current law is written. We are asking you to sign this petition in favor of changing the current zoning ordinance to allow citizens of Pittsylvania County the option to utilize travel trailers, campers, recreational vehicles as a temporary place of abode following a physical, emotional, spiritual storm of life that displaces the affected family or individual from their permanent dwelling place.