Cooper City P&Z debates tighter rules for boats and RVs; considers setbacks, height limits and registration

The Cooper City Planning & Zoning Board reviewed a package of possible code changes on boats and recreational vehicles that the City Commission asked the board to consider ahead of second reading. Staff summarized four core proposals under consideration: require boats/RVs parked at the side of homes to be on a hard surface; enforce or tighten setback distances (examples cited included reducing to 3 feet or 1.5 feet depending on lot width); reduce the allowable visible height of stored vehicles from 12 feet to 10 feet; and implement a registration/permit system with a potential grandfathering window (staff noted an example 10‑year grandfathering period).

Board members debated aesthetics, enforcement feasibility and resident impacts. Several members and residents said the visible canopies and large RVs have become an eyesore; others warned that a strict setback or hard‑surface requirement would prevent many homeowners from keeping their boats or RVs and could anger long‑time residents. Staff noted enforcement limits under the Florida Building Code for non‑permanent canopies (six‑month non‑permanence loophole) but said registration would give the city inspection authority on private property. The board discussed hedging or covering requirements, possible taller fences, and the capacity of city storage lots (staff said city lots are at capacity with a one to two year wait list). The board’s feedback was recorded for the City Commission to consider on further reading and action.