Los Angeles County And City Temporary Stay At Home Orders Affect RV Businesses

Recently, both the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County issued temporary stay at home orders in response to increases in COVID cases and hospitalizations.

Los Angeles County issued a temporary stay at home order effective November 30, lasting through December 20, that limits business in the county and prohibits all gatherings of individuals from different households. Yesterday, Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, issued a similar order.

Under the orders, non-essential retail in the City of Los Angeles must limit occupancy in facilities to 20 percent. While deemed essential at the state-level, the City of Los Angeles does not treat motor vehicle retail as essential business. Sales floors therefore must operate at the non-essential capacity for the duration of the temporary order. Los Angeles County recently updated its Health Officer Order to designate automotive retail as an essential business. Under the County’s restrictions, dealerships may maintain 35 percent occupancy within sales facilities.

However, the State of California guidance requires dealerships to maintain a 25 percent capacity if they are located in a county designated as “Purple Tier”, which is currently virtually every county in the state, including Los Angeles County. Private counsel to many dealers has recommended following the state percentage instead of the Los Angeles County percentage. 

Campgrounds and RV parks may remain open as long as the owner, manager, or operator of a campground or RV Park prepares, implements and posts the required Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Protocol for Campgrounds, RV parks and Cabin Rental Units. Repairs at dealerships are regarded as essential.

The RV Industry Association will continue to monitor the situation and provide important updates as they become available.