Council directs staff to examine temporary pause on RV/trailer variances amid rising complaints
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Summary
Councilmembers reported growing complaints about recreational vehicles and trailers used as dwellings in residential areas and directed staff to explore options for a temporary pause on variances (90 days suggested) while code enforcement and legal options are assessed.
Councilmembers expressed concern about an increase in RVs and trailers being used as long-term dwellings in residential neighborhoods and directed staff to prepare options for a temporary pause on variances.
Councilman Pierre Frans Charles said the concentration of recreational vehicles in District 4 and other neighborhoods has become a public-safety and nuisance concern. "My understanding is they should be there for a period of time, and also, we cannot have people living in them," he said, and asked colleagues for support to temporarily stop issuance of variances so code enforcement could investigate which units are legally placed.
Other councilmembers supported a moratorium or stronger enforcement, citing fire and electrical hazards and recent RV fires in the county. The city attorney and manager advised that staff would evaluate whether a council resolution or ordinance is required to enact a moratorium; the manager indicated staff would begin actions consistent with council guidance and return with options. Councilmembers suggested a 60- to 90-day pause while staff prepares a formal proposal.