Farmers Branch discusses draft ordinance to restrict oversized vehicles on residential property

Sam Chavez, director of community services, presented a draft amendment to the city—s code that would restrict the parking and storage of specified oversized vehicles on residentially zoned property.

Chavez said the proposal defines oversized vehicles and would prohibit RVs, boats, box trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, trailers or any vehicle in excess of 8 feet in width or 21 feet in length from being stored or parked on residential property unless concealed from the public right-of-way by permitted walls, fences or landscaping. Chavez said staff—s proposal includes an 18-month grace period to allow property owners time to comply.

Council discussion focused on public survey results and the role of the task force that has been studying the issue. Councilmembers reported mixed survey responses: some residents described safety and congestion problems caused when oversized vehicles force other cars into the street or block sidewalks; others said the city should not dictate what residents keep on private property. Several councilmembers suggested increasing code-enforcement activity to address sidewalk and street-blocking situations before imposing new restrictions.

The mayor and multiple councilmembers urged staff to keep the public survey open through the end of the month, hold a task-force meeting in early November and return to council with findings so further discussion could occur in late November and the council could consider action in December if desired. Chavez and staff emphasized the ordinance targets private-property storage and does not replace existing rules about vehicles parked on public streets.

No ordinance was adopted at the study session; staff said they will compile survey responses, task-force feedback and proposed revisions for council consideration in follow-up meetings.