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Oak Harbor chief proposes 12‑hour citywide limit on RVs, boats and oversized vehicle parking; council debates permits and equity
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Summary
Police Chief Tony Slowick proposed a draft ordinance to ban parking of oversized vehicles, vessels and trailers on city streets for more than 12 hours, citing safety, stormwater pollution and long‑term storage; councilmembers discussed permit options, HOA conflicts and enforcement logistics ahead of a May 5 council motion.
Police Chief Tony Slowick presented a draft ordinance on April 14 that would make it unlawful to park vessels, trailers, recreational vehicles and oversized vehicles on any city street or public way for more than 12 hours, with limited residence exceptions and a 24‑hour tow notice for persistent violations.
Slowick said the city has seen long‑term storage of non‑passenger vehicles in neighborhoods for years and cited environmental concerns including reports of human waste discharge into stormwater systems: "Long term storage of non passenger vehicles impacts neighborhoods... this illicit discharge, 90% of the effluent discharge, goes right into the Puget Sound or indoor storm water system," he said. He said current Oak Harbor code (chapter 10.12) only gives a mechanism to act when vehicles are not legally registered, and the draft ordinance would expand enforceable circumstances.
Key proposed elements include defining oversized vehicles as those exceeding 22 feet in length or 8 feet in width, prohibiting street parking of such vehicles for more than 12 hours citywide, allowing an exception to park at a residence for loading/unloading for up to five days followed by a 72‑hour off‑road period, and using the department’s existing 24‑hour impound notice and impound process for enforcement.
Council discussion focused on equity, enforceability and alternatives. Several councilmembers expressed concern about a blanket citywide rule in residential neighborhoods where residents lack storage options. Councilmember Psaki and others suggested exploring permitting for limited, well‑spaced residential use or limiting strict enforcement in low‑impact locations. Questions also arose about conflicts with HOA rules, the cost and logistics of towing and storage, and whether restrictions should focus on commercial zones or areas near schools and ballfields for safety reasons.
Slowick noted examples from nearby cities (Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon) that use 24‑hour limits, 72‑hour residence allowances, or permit systems; he said Cle Elum had a six‑month moratorium in the past and that council must weigh permit costs and staffing requirements.
Next steps: the mayor said the ordinance is scheduled to come forward for a motion at the council meeting on May 5 for further formal consideration; no vote was held at the workshop.
