Wellington Proposes Rustic Ranches RV Ordinance
Homeowners in the overlay district could soon house equestrian staff in up to four recreational vehicles per property.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Large Animals
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The Equestrian Preserve Committee recently recommended a new ordinance allowing homeowners in the Rustic Ranches overlay district to host up to four recreational vehicles on their land. The proposal aims to help property owners house equestrian staff by permitting one vehicle to be occupied year-round and others to be used for residence.
Why it matters
Property owners in Wellington requested the change to address challenges in finding affordable off-site housing for essential equestrian staff. This adjustment provides a potential solution for onsite worker accommodation while setting strict limits on vehicle density and occupancy.
The ordinance allows one RV per four permanent stalls, with a maximum of four vehicles per property and a limit of two occupants per unit. Owners must pay a $600 annual permit fee and ensure all vehicles have approved water and wastewater connections.
The players
Equestrian Preserve Committee
A local body responsible for overseeing land use and zoning regulations within the Wellington equestrian district.
Wellington Village Council
The local governing authority tasked with final legislative approval for village ordinances and land use policies.
The details
To utilize these units as grooms quarters, property owners must secure a permit and ensure their land can support the infrastructure requirements. Each site must either have permitted water and wastewater connections installed or maintain a valid third-party service contract for sanitation. Furthermore, the ordinance mandates that all recreational vehicles be screened from view, keeping them out of sight from the street or neighboring properties.
Timeline
2004: Wellington annexed the Rustic Ranches area.
2006: The Rustic Ranches overlay district was established.
October 7, 2026: The Equestrian Preserve Committee approved the recommendation for the new ordinance.
The Home Front
This proposal marks a departure from the strict land-use constraints previously maintained by the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District. It reflects a growing trend of municipalities re-evaluating zoning to address local labor-housing shortages in specialized agricultural communities.
If you own property in the Rustic Ranches district, monitor the village council meeting schedule to confirm when the final vote will occur. Before planning for any RV installations, consult with a licensed contractor to verify that your current water and wastewater systems meet the required permitting standards.
The takeaway
The proposed ordinance offers a potential relief valve for staffing challenges by legitimizing the use of recreational vehicles for employees. Residents should prepare to review their property's infrastructure capacity and current zoning status if they intend to apply for a $600 annual permit.
Further reading
Learn more about local land management for Large Animals in our dedicated resource section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Town-Crier Newspaper.
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