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Moraine considers allowing small gravel parking pads for one vehicle, RV or trailer with permit
Summary
A text amendment would permit a single gravel pad in a side or rear yard for limited parking (one vehicle, one RV, one utility trailer) with a zoning permit, require weed barrier and edging, prohibit new gravel driveways, and grandfather existing gravel pads; council opened and closed the public hearing.
City staff presented a proposed text amendment (TA-07-2025, MCO 14.12.02) to allow a limited form of gravel parking pads in side or rear yards for the purpose of parking up to one vehicle, one recreational vehicle and one utility trailer. Council opened and closed the public hearing on the measure.
Why it matters: The amendment is intended to give residents a lower-cost alternative to concrete or asphalt pads for off-street parking where driveway space is limited while protecting city streets and sidewalks from damage associated with loose gravel.
Proposal details: The draft would permit a gravel pad only in a side or rear yard and would require a zoning permit and engineering review. It would specify installation standards such as a weed barrier and perimeter edging of wood, block or concrete. The measure would explicitly prohibit new gravel driveways or driveway additions, which staff said can damage public roads and create rock-throw hazards. Existing gravel pads are grandfathered; property owners would not be required to change current grandfathered installations.
Council clarifications: Council asked about parking of boats and campers and whether the rules differ on dead-end streets. Staff said campers and boats may be parked on approved pads (or grandfathered gravel pads) and that street parking rules—chiefly a 48-hour limit—apply uniformly, including on dead-end streets. Staff said enforcement and permit review would aim to keep sidewalks and sight-lines clear.
Next steps: Council closed the public hearing; staff will include the draft in follow-up legislation for council consideration.
