Cooper City Commission addresses selective enforcement of RV and boat parking ordinances

The Cooper City Commission convened on April 8, 2025, to address various community concerns, particularly regarding code enforcement and the parking of recreational vehicles. The meeting began with public comments highlighting issues of perceived selective enforcement of parking regulations, particularly concerning the parking of boats and RVs.

Residents expressed frustration over inconsistent enforcement, citing examples where some individuals received warnings for parking violations while others faced no repercussions despite similar infractions. One resident, Brett, shared his experience with code enforcement regarding his boat, advocating for a more lenient policy that would allow residents to park their recreational vehicles in their driveways or on swales during weekends for family activities.

Commissioners discussed the origins of the current parking regulations, which were initially implemented to ensure safety around schools by preventing vehicles from obstructing views of children. The conversation shifted towards the need for a workshop to further explore these regulations and gather community input. City Manager recommendations emphasized that a workshop would provide a more suitable forum for addressing the complexities of code enforcement and resident concerns.

The commission reached a consensus to schedule a workshop before the next regular meeting to discuss potential changes to the parking ordinances. This workshop aims to balance the needs of residents who wish to utilize their recreational vehicles while addressing community safety concerns.

In addition to the parking discussions, the meeting included a quasi-judicial item regarding a site plan approval for a new Taco Bell location at Cooper City Commons. The commission reviewed the proposed site plan, which includes a modern design and dual drive-through lanes. The proposal received unanimous support from the Planning and Zoning Board and was recommended for approval by city staff.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to addressing community concerns while ensuring that regulations serve the best interests of all residents. The upcoming workshop is expected to facilitate a more in-depth discussion on the enforcement of parking regulations and potential adjustments to better accommodate the community's needs.