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Lynn Haven commissioners reopen debate on rules for RVs, boats in driveways
Summary
City staff presented a draft ordinance modeled on Panama City rules that would allow some recreational vehicles to park in front yards under limits; commissioners heard that about 300 RVs are currently in violation and directed more public outreach and further discussion Tuesday.
Lynn Haven commissioners reopened a months‑long discussion Tuesday on whether to change the city’s rules that currently require recreational vehicles to be stored in rear yards.
A planning‑department draft ordinance modeled on a Panama City proposal would broaden the definition of “recreational equipment” to include travel trailers, camping trailers, truck campers, motor homes, boats, boat trailers, jet skis and similar equipment, allow limited front‑yard parking under conditions, and use a 24‑hour limit for temporary front‑yard parking in visibility areas.
The ordinance language presented by a planning staff member, Amy, says front‑yard parking would be allowed for limited periods so long as the vehicle does not create a visibility hazard for neighbors backing from driveways; outside the city’s visibility triangle some equipment could remain parked in front longer but a household could not place recreational equipment in more than one yard location (for example, one in the front and another at the side).
Why it matters: staff told the commission that enforcement is already strained — the planning update identified roughly 300 residential driveways with RVs that currently violate the code — and commissioners were reluctant to adopt changes without broader public input. Commissioner Perna and others said residents who already pay for private RV storage could be affected if rules change, and some commissioners urged a workshop for the 300 people identified as currently in violation.
Commission conversation and next steps - Several commissioners asked whether allowing RVs in driveways would cause residents to start parking additional vehicles on lawns; the planning staff and city attorney said that existing nuisance and vehicle‑registration code provisions would still apply to unregistered or inoperable vehicles. - Commissioners emphasized the city should consider visibility triangles and public‑safety impacts rather than an outright blanket allowance for front‑yard parking. - Staff said the Panama City model the city reviewed includes a broader category than just RVs and that the planning department intentionally included a wider list of recreational equipment to match how other municipalities regulate the subject.
Outcome: The commission did not vote on an ordinance. Commissioners directed staff to continue work, to schedule additional public outreach (including the possibility of a workshop), and to bring the item back for further discussion and potential ordinance drafting at the next commission meeting.
What was said (selected quotations) - Amy, planning staff: “What I have provided you is the ordinance that has not been adopted by the city, but it’s being recommended to the commission by the planning department.” - Commissioner Perna: “We’re gonna get a reaction… we kinda wanna give them their day in the sun and talk to everybody.”
Ending: The commission agreed to keep the item on the agenda for the next meeting, direct staff to prepare outreach materials, and pause aggressive enforcement of existing driveway violations while the review is underway, according to staff comments to the commission.
