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Staff to propose ordinance addressing RV and watercraft parking in front yards; discussion set for Feb. 6
Summary
Staff told the board a draft ordinance will be prepared to address complaints about RVs and watercraft parked in front yards; the board will review recommendations at its Feb. 6 meeting and may forward input to City Council.
Planning staff alerted the board that the city will review and likely propose changes to the code governing where recreational vehicles and watercraft can be parked on private property. Staff said complaints from residents prompted the review and that staff will bring a suggested ordinance and request the board’s input at its Feb. 6 meeting.
Staff explained the current municipal code differentiates between (1) large commercial vehicles, (2) occupancy of campers outside of an approved RV park, (3) watercraft and watercraft trailers and (4) recreational vehicles (RVs). The code prohibits watercraft in front yards (the area forward of the main building), but permits RVs to remain on approved surfaces such as driveways; residents have complained larger RVs and bus-sized vehicles are being parked on driveways and in front yards.
Staff said research of similar Florida communities shows many disallow RVs and boats from front yards entirely; staff will present suggested revisions and request the board’s feedback before forwarding a draft ordinance to City Council. Board members discussed enforcement challenges and suggested including a limited exception for disaster recovery (temporary on-site use after a declared disaster) with a maximum allowed time.
The board will consider the proposed changes at its Feb. 6 meeting; staff cautioned that amending general code provisions may trigger increased code-enforcement work and additional community complaints while policy details are finalized.
