Resident urges council to reconsider RV/boat parking visibility rules; attorney clarifies code

Joel LaCicero spoke during public comment to ask the council to reconsider the city's ordinance that governs where recreational vehicles, boats and trailers may be stored off-season. "I would ask you guys'to reconsider this ordinance, so that these vehicles are not in view from the street," LaCicero said, saying neighbors see parked RVs and worry about property values.

Municipal Attorney Mark Fortunato (as referenced during the discussion) and staff walked through the specific code (identified in the meeting as ordinance 11/2001): parking of an RV, boat trailer, travel trailer or utility trailer in residential areas is prohibited except when the vehicle is uninhabited, parked in the rear or side yard, set at least five feet from the property line, and in the front yard only for up to four days for loading/unloading or preparation. Fortunato confirmed that citizens can seek an ordinance change by ballot initiative (the initiative process was discussed as an available path). LaCicero and others asked about enforcement and how deed restrictions/HOA covenants interact; staff noted deed restrictions in newer developments often address visibility but the city generally enforces the municipal code, not private covenants.