RV Parks: Compliance Resources
Find out about environmental regulations that commonly affect recreational vehicle (RV) parks.
Water Regulations
Public Water Supply
If you supply water for human consumption for at least 15 connections or 25 people or more for at least 60 days out of the year, you may be a public water system. Human consumption includes, but is not limited to, drinking, hand washing, dish washing, cooking and food preparation, brushing teeth, or bathing.
Water Utility
If you send a separate bill to a customer for water or sewer service, then you may be a utility. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) regulates utilities, and you will need to follow PUC rules .
Wastewater
If you treat or dispose of wastewater at your site, you may need authorization from TCEQ or your local On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF or “Septic System”) permitting authority.
- Domestic Wastewater Permits — If your OSSF treats more than 5,000 gallons of wastewater on-site each day, then you may need a domestic wastewater permit.
- OSSF Permits — OSSFs treating less than 5,000 gallons of wastewater per day still have permitting, maintenance and construction requirements.
- Find your local OSSF representative for requirements or find a licensed OSSF installer.
Back to topWaste Disposals
Municipal Solid Waste
Collect trash and garbage in a closed container and transport it to a TCEQ-authorized facility, such as a landfill, transfer station, or citizen’s collection station.
Used Oil
If any of your occupants change their own oil, they need to take the used oil or filter to a used oil collection center. They cannot dump used oil on land or into sewers or waterways and landfills do not accept used oil filters.
Outdoor Burning
Outdoor burning in Texas is prohibited with few exceptions. While burning domestic waste at private residences is a common exception, RV parks are commercial properties and cannot burn waste.
- Outdoor Burning Guide (RG-049)
Construction Requirements
Stormwater
If you are building an RV park and construction activities will disturb one or more acres of land, you must get permitted under TCEQ’s Construction General Stormwater Permit before starting.
Edwards Aquifer Requirements
If construction is taking place over the Recharge, Contributing, or Transition Zone of the Edwards Aquifer, more stormwater requirements may apply.
More Information
RV Parks: Am I regulated? (RG-499) — A general guide to environmental regulations for RV parks.
TCEQ's Small Business and Local Government Assistance section offers free, confidential help to small businesses and local governments working to comply with state environmental regulations. Call us at (800) 447-2827 or visit our webpage at TexasEnviroHelp.org.