Glamping Laws and Regulations
Consider the laws and regulations when building a glamping site
It is important to comply with local laws and regulations when you set up a glamping site, no matter where it is. Here are some things to think about.
Talk with your municipality or local authority
It is almost guaranteed that you will need some form of permission to create a glamping site or to expand an existing campsite. The type of permission and the particular regulations are dependent on the country your campsite operates in. For example, in the UK you need planning permission and approval for a change of use to convert farmland or woodland into a glamping site.
Different countries have different rules, some stricter than others. In the Netherlands, the Dutch building decree does not apply to safari tents. While safari tents have a permanent construction, their design is for the purpose of temporary camping equipment. So, safari tents fall outside of the scope of the building. This is a fortunate classification and saves a lot of time and effort. Every country has its own set of rules and there are varying local regulations within each country. Don’t be intimidated by rules and regulations or let them keep you from setting up a glamping site. Talk to your local authority. It is likely that the local authority will want to boost the area’s tourism.
Additional considerations
In addition to the rules of the country where you plan to set up a glamping site, you will also need to deal with regulations specific to your site’s local region. Local regulations can include impact assessments for traffic on local roads or the environmental and landscape impact that your site will have. Other considerations could be related to water drainage, rubbish disposal, and sewage. You should expect there to be local regulations related to safety. These safety regulations can cover many things such as wood-burning stoves. One final thing to think about is insurance. Do your homework and make sure that you get the relevant insurance.
Photo: Cytonn Photography – Unsplash
Get help and advice from an interest group or trade association
If you are planning on setting up a glamping site then it is a very good idea to join a trade association or interest group. These are great sources of help and advice. Some associations to consider joining are the Glamping Association in the UK (https://www.glampingassociation.co.uk), the American Glamping Association (https://americanglampingassociation.net) and RECRON in the Netherlands which represents glamping entrepreneurs. When you join an association you can speak to the other members who are running successful glamping businesses and ask them questions.
If you need help and advice on regulations regarding building a glamping site in your country or region, just ask us!