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Council debates new rules for parking RVs, boats and large trailers; staff to bring issue to town hall
Summary
Residents urged grandfathering and criticized year-long vacancy permits; council reviewed a proposed ordinance restricting oversized and commercial vehicle parking in residential zones with a 24-month grace period and asked staff to hold a town hall before finalizing rules.
Several residents told the Farmers Branch City Council on April 29 that parking of oversized recreational vehicles and trailers in residential neighborhoods has harmed neighborhood character, while others urged grandfathering for long-standing arrangements. Council later reviewed a staff proposal that would limit parking of oversized and commercial vehicles in residential zones and allow a 24-month grace period for current owners to find storage.
Resident Kendall Hale of Brookhaven said she has lived in her neighborhood for decades and asked the council to “grandfather us in” for owners who have parked trailers for many years, noting nearby construction dumpsters that also affect neighborhood appearance. Tom Cusick, a local builder and resident, said Farmers Branch is currently more permissive than surrounding cities and argued the city should require off-site storage for long-term, parked RVs and trailers.
Why it matters: Council members said the rules must balance neighborhood livability with practical concerns—some residents may need short-term access to their vehicles for trips or maintenance while others park oversized vehicles long-term in driveways or on streets.
Staff proposal and council questions
Staff proposed a 24-month grace period for existing owners, new definitions to prohibit on-site front-yard parking of RVs, boats, box trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks and trailers, and numeric limits (vehicles over 9 feet in width and a length limit shortened to 21 feet). The draft would allow parking in side or rear yards only if fully screened by fences, walls or vegetation. Staff said the draft removed a prior screening requirement for side-storage and instead clarified where vehicles may be stored.
Council members asked for exceptions for short-term use (loading/unloading, brief overnight stays) and for police permitting when vehicles must be parked on the street for limited periods. Councilman Neal suggested exploring low-cost storage options within the city so residents can keep vehicles inside city limits; staff noted a private property near Kenan Bridge that had been discussed previously as a potential storage site.
Enforcement and next steps
Staff said code-enforcement and police processes (notice of violation and opportunity to abate; court summons if unaddressed) would apply if an amended ordinance is adopted. Council agreed the item should be on the agenda for a town-hall conversation in May so neighbors can provide input before the council finalizes an ordinance.
Ending
No ordinance was adopted. Staff will present the proposed ordinance at a town hall and return to council with community input and any options for low-cost in-city storage or permit exceptions.
