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Obetz committee hears residents say parking rules are unclear after trailer and RV citations
Summary
Residents told the Obetz Committee of the Whole that the city's parking code is unclear after enforcement actions against trailers and RVs; staff reviewed multiple ordinances and the city administrator said he will consult the mayor about possible fixes after residents cited ambiguity and safety concerns.
Council President Pro-Tem Derek Varney convened the City of Obetz Committee of the Whole on May 11 to hear public concerns about enforcement of on-street parking rules after residents said ambiguous language in the code led to citations for trailers and recreational vehicles.
Community Services Director Stacey Boumis reviewed recent parking legislation, citing Ordinance 10-22 (Feb. 14, 2022) on trailer parking; Ordinance 05-25 (Jan. 13, 2025) on winter weather emergency parking; Ordinance 11-25 (Feb. 24, 2025) banning overnight parking on city property from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM; Ordinance 20-25 (Apr. 14, 2025) restricting parking within 10 feet of mailboxes; Ordinance 53-25 (Sept. 22, 2025) limiting storage of construction equipment on residential streets; Ordinance 57-25 (Oct. 14, 2025) limiting certain commercial vehicles by GVWR; and Ordinance 70-25 (Feb. 2, 2026) amending apron setbacks. Boumis also summarized zoning rules that prohibit parking or storage of unlicensed, disabled or junked vehicles and noted limits on the number of boats/RVs allowed in side or rear yards.
Police Chief Mike Confer showed photos of cited vehicles and said the department issued 131 parking citations from March 1 through May 11 and that Section 305.055 of the code is "somewhat ambiguous and needs better defined," creating enforcement challenges.
Several residents described recent citations they view as the result of unclear language. Frank Varian of Fairchild Estates said he received a ticket after leaving a 5-by-8-foot noncommercial trailer attached to his vehicle on the street while helping someone; he said the trailer was not blocking driveways or mailboxes. "I left it on the street and I received a parking ticket," Varian said, asking Council to consider whether smaller trailers could be allowed temporarily on public streets.
Jonathon Masteller, who said his RV will not fit in his driveway, urged the council to consider a short-term exception for loading and unloading similar to a Canal Winchester rule that allows up to 72 hours. "72 hours seems excessive," Council member Michael Flaherty said in response.
Neighbor David Matchack told the panel he has had multiple RV-related citations that were later thrown out because the relevant code (Section 351.15) is unclear. He also raised pedestrian-safety concerns where extension cords cross sidewalks; Matchack said he covers cords with rugs.
City Administrator Rod Davisson said officers have discretion but acknowledged public frustration. "There has also been a lot of public outrage related to parking," Davisson said, and he added he would "talk to Mayor Kirk to see what can be done regarding the ticket." Several commenters and council members said narrow streets, the absence of sidewalks or curbs on some blocks, and fire hydrants in tree lawns increase the public-safety stakes of allowing large vehicles to park on residential streets. Resident Dan Raver said, "There are not sidewalks, curbs, and gutters on every street in the City," and cautioned that allowing RVs and trailers on narrow streets could "cause a big problem."
No code changes or votes were taken at the meeting. Council directed staff and the administrator to review the code language and possible administrative options; Davisson committed to consulting the mayor about the individual ticket Varian raised. The Committee adjourned at 5:48 PM after a motion by Council member Michael Flaherty and a second by Council member Todd Gibbs; the motion carried on "all ayes."
