Recreational Vehicle

NFIP Policy Index

Definition/Description

A vehicle which is:
(a) Built on a single chassis;

(b) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection;

(c) Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and

(d) Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

A recreational vehicle placed on a site in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) must meet the elevation and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes, unless it:

(1) Is on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, or

(2) Is fully licensed and ready for highway use.

Ready for highway use means that it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and has no permanently attached additions.

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NFIP Requirement

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Guidance

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Related Keywords

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Supplemental Information for Recreational Vehicle

Insurance Availability:

Licensed vehicles, campers, and travel trailers are not considered insurable buildings under the NFIP unless they are attached to a permanent foundation.

Recreational Vehicle Parks or Campgrounds vs. Manufactured Home Parks or Subdivisions:

In some parts of the nation campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks in the floodplain are evolving from camping and other short-term occupancies to permanent occupancies which can significantly increase risk to life and property and potential flood damages. The distinguishing feature between a recreational vehicle park and a manufactured home park is the permanency of the installations. Poured concrete pads, permanent utility hookups, mail delivery to the site, and permanently attached structures are characteristics of a permanent residence or a typical manufactured home park.

The best way to minimize flood damages is to ensure that recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds in the floodplain are limited to short-term occupancies, or, if they are not, to ensure that the units are adequately protected from flood damages through enforcement of floodplain management standards for manufactured homes.

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Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2007 15:29:23 EDT