333-031-0003 / 333-029-0020 January 17,
2012
Review Date - July 1, 2015
PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION
INFORMATION BULLETIN
INTERPRETATION MANUAL:
RECREATION PARK / LICENSING / PARK MODELS / CAMPING CABINS / CABINS / YURTS
QUESTION:
Under what criteria should a park model/ camping cabin/cabin/yurt be licensed and which type of
license should be issued.
DEFINITIONS:
“Cabin” in a recreation park is a structure on a permanent foundation with water, sewer and
electric provided. Usually it is more extensively furnished with mattresses and kitchen facilities.
These must meet the BCD specialty codes applicable to the construction.
“Camping Cabin” means a small usually wooden cabin that is more substantial than a tent and tent
platform, but is not a “building” per building codes. Many do not have a permanent foundation.
They are not provided with water and sewer, but may have electricity for lighting and a smoke
detector. They are primitive and to not have bedding or kitchen equipment and utensils.
“Park Model” means an RV that is usually removed from its wheels and permanently attached to
water, electric, and sewer. Many look more like a mini manufactured home than a camping trailer.
They are typically provided with furniture, mattresses, a kitchen and bathroom. These have to
meet the Building Code Division standards for recreational vehicles.
“Yurt” means a round tent-like structure. They can be little more than a tent structure on a tent
platform. Often they are more permanently constructed with water, sewer, bathrooms, kitchen
furniture, mattresses and kitchen equipment.
BACKGROUND:
In recent years, we are increasingly being asked to deal with park models; cabins; camping cabins;
and yurts that have been placed in licensed recreation parks. This interpretation is to clarify when
the above noted units can be placed under the existing RV park license and when they differ to the
point where they must be licensed as a traveler’s accommodation.
The recreation park rules were designed to license and regulate the parks being used by camping
vehicles and tents. Over time the industry as brought out more advanced equipment for
placement in parks. The rules cover the park itself, not these camping units and cabins. Over
time there has developed a need to inspect and license some of these units being rented to the
public more like a Traveler’s Accommodation. These units may have bathrooms, kitchens,
carpeting, furniture, bedding, water and sewer.
State of Oregon
Oregon Health Authority
OREGON PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION
Food, Pool, Lodging Health & Safety
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 640
Portland, Oregon 97232-2162
Phone (971) 673-0448 FAX (971) 673-0457
333-031-003 / 333-029-0020 Traveler’s Accommodation Licensing
01/17/2012
Page 2
GUIDANCE/ INTERPRETATION:
The terms “park model” and “cabin” refers to living units having mattresses, running water, sewer
and electricity. For all practical purposes, they could be interchangeable with a hotel or motel
room. While some have showers and kitchens, this is not a necessary part of their description. A
“yurt,” with many of the same amenities, would be included in this group.
For purposes of this guidance we will refer to these as “lodging units.”
The basic determining factor in making a licensing decision for these structures is the role of the
RV park operator (or owner).
1) An RV park operator adds 1 or more “lodging units” to his existing operation. The purpose of
the additional units is to rent them out on a short term basis.
With the “lodging units,” the operator would be required to obtain a tourist
accommodation license (in addition to his existing RV park license).
2) In an RV park, as above, everything is the same except the “lodging units” are owned by park
users who have rented (on either a short term or long term lease) space in the park and are now
renting out their units.
a. If the park operator is the rental agent, the park operator would be expected to obtain
a tourist accommodation license in addition to his RV park license.
b. If each “lodging unit” owner is responsible to handle all aspects of the rental, no
additional license is required for the park operator.
The other classes of structures often seen in recreation parks are primitive in nature with no
bedding provided and no water or sewer provided, but they may have electricity. These are the
primitive “yurts” or “camping cabins.” Often these buildings are “temporary” or “mobile” and do not
fall under regulation of the building codes.
If these facilities are provided, they are little more than fancy tent platforms. These may
be provided and used under the existing Recreation Park license. No additional license
is needed.
Inspection of these is minimal, looking for general maintenance and upkeep. Laundering and
upkeep of bedding, utensil washing, and cooking equipment upkeep and cleaning are not part
of the services or inspection. Water and sewer services are not within the unit.
The park may rent camping equipment separately, but it is not part of the unit rental.
