Bill > AB518

This bill establishes a new legal framework for low-impact camping areas in California, defining them as private properties that provide temporary recreational sleeping accommodations that are not commercial lodging facilities. The bill specifies that a low-impact camping area can be exempt from being classified as a special occupancy park if it meets specific requirements, including limiting occupancy to no more than nine temporary sleeping accommodations (with only four recreational vehicles allowed concurrently), restricting stays to 14 consecutive nights per camper and 28 nights per calendar year, and complying with local fire safety, tax, waste disposal, and noise regulations. Counties can choose to authorize these camping areas by creating a registry, establishing a complaint program, and requiring operators to display permits and contact information. Online hosting platforms must include county and permit information in their listings and remove listings if a county determines the site is unauthorized. The bill mandates that temporary sleeping accommodations must be located at least 200 feet from nearby residences, placed on parcels of two acres or more, and not be in densely urbanized areas. Importantly, the bill does not require counties to authorize low-impact camping but provides a standardized framework for those that choose to do so, and ensures that standard eviction processes for special occupancy parks will apply to these camping areas.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB518