Cooper City advances RV, boat parking ordinance on first reading after hours of debate

Cooper City commissioners on first reading amended and approved an ordinance that would set rules for parking and height of recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats on residential property, directing staff to return with setback and safety language before second reading.

The commission voted to change the proposed 10-foot height cap to 12 feet and to exclude rooftop accessories such as air-conditioning units from the height measurement. The commission also asked staff to come back before second reading with clear hard-surface definitions, setback requirements tied to lot size, and ingress/egress and firefighter access recommendations.

The ordinance (filed as Ordinance 25-14 and introduced as "Item 20" on the agenda) would amend Chapter 25 of the city code on development standards by adding restrictions on use, maintenance, parking and height of boats and RVs on residential property. Carlos Vega, the city's community development director, said the planning-and-zoning board recommended approval by a 7-0 vote and did not propose language changes.

Residents and commissioners spent more than an hour debating how any new rule should handle the wide range of RV types, lot sizes and neighborhood contexts. Resident Matt, who said he measured his fifth-wheel trailer before speaking, told the commission, "I measured mine... it was right at 12," arguing many vehicles that comply today would be forced into storage if the limit were set at 10 feet.

Other speakers described situations where Class A RVs were parked inches from a neighbor's fence and overhanging sidewalks, raising privacy and potential fire-safety concerns. "If you can't squeeze through to the back of the house, there's a problem," a commissioner said while asking staff to develop rules that account for 0-lot-line configuration and emergency access.

Commissioners and staff discussed technical specifics: typical side setbacks for Cooper City houses are about 7.5 feet; engineering standards already require a minimum of 3 feet for decks and 5 feet for certain driveway standards; and the code requires that RVs be parked on a hard surface. Staff said they would clarify the definition of "hard surface" (concrete, continuous pavers, etc.) and consider using a setback approach keyed to lot dimensions so large-acreage lots could accommodate larger vehicles while protecting close-in neighbors.

The motion approved on first reading set the height at 12 feet "excluding roof accessories" and directed staff to return for second reading with additional language addressing setbacks, the number of visible vehicles per property, fire/ingress recommendations and a clear hard-surface standard. The ordinance was advanced by a recorded vote of 5-0.

Commissioners emphasized enforcement and clarity: they asked staff to provide clear guidance on what a resident can park given a property's dimensions, and to ensure definitions do not conflict with other code sections. "I want to go measure my backyard and go on your city website and know what size trailer I can buy," one commissioner said.

The ordinance will return for a second reading with the requested technical amendments and definitions.