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Council asks staff to revisit RV parking, 72-hour rule and permit enforcement after multiple public complaints
Summary
Following several public comments about persistent RV and vehicle parking near private property, the council asked staff to return with options to strengthen enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule, consider a minimum relocation distance, and review the RV permit process so permits are meaningful and enforceable.
Several members of the public raised concerns about long-term RV and vehicle parking in residential areas during oral communications. Property owners and residents described vehicles and RVs occupying street parking for days and weeks, citing impacts on tenants, trash, graffiti and landlord property management.
David Morgan, who said he owns rental property in Lompoc, asked council to consider changing the local 72-hour parking rule so vehicles must move a minimum distance (for example, a tenth of a mile) rather than the common practice of moving a vehicle a short distance to reset the 72-hour clock. Morgan said persistent parking reduces available spaces for tenants and imposes financial and management burdens on property owners.
Carl Jones called for transparency and for council attention to a specific land-sale/development (referred to in comment as "Pelopodi Dott"), saying the developer had not communicated publicly since November; he asked council to "look into this." Council members and staff did not commit to enforcement actions on that developer in the meeting record but acknowledged the concerns.
Council member Bridge and others noted the city’s existing RV-permit process lacks enforcement heft; Bridge asked that the permit program be revisited so a paid permit (the transcript referenced a $54 two-year permit) offers clear protections and that enforcement officers are able to tow or otherwise enforce when noncompliance occurs. Councilor Ball asked for staff to bring back a formal ordinance or policy review for RV parking and noncompliant vehicles that could include changing the minimum relocation distance and clarifying permit enforcement.
Action/direction: Council directed staff to return with possible amendments to the municipal code and permit procedures for RV parking and 72-hour enforcement, and to explore whether a minimum relocation distance and stronger permit enforcement would be feasible and enforceable by the police or community service officers.
Ending: Councilors who supported the review asked staff to include enforcement options and to consider impacts on tenants, landlords and public safety when proposing changes.
