Planning board debates boat and RV rules; options include hard surfaces, lower height and registration

City staff presented four possible code changes under consideration by the City Commission and sent to the Planning & Zoning Board for recommendation: (1) require boats and RVs parked alongside homes to be on a hard surface; (2) enforce or increase setback distances (a 3-foot setback would eliminate side-yard parking for many lots); (3) reduce the visible vehicle height limit from 12 feet to 10 feet; and (4) implement a registration/permit system with a possible 10-year grandfathering period for existing vehicles.

Board members raised concerns about homeowner impacts, enforcement capacity and appearance. Several members suggested soft mitigations such as required hedges or uniform covers rather than immediately eliminating side-yard parking. Staff noted that registration would give the city inspection rights (where previously the city could only observe from public property) and that Florida Building Code limits the city's ability to regulate non-permanent canopies (which can be reassembled to exploit a six-month non-permanent window). "With the implementation of the registration process... it does give the city the right to inspect that property," staff said. The board asked staff to forward recommendations and clarifications for the Commission to consider; the Commission will make the final determination.