Durham commissioners unanimously adopt UDO change to allow limited RV parking on driveways

The Durham Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 9 adopted a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance that lets homeowners park recreational vehicles on driveways provided the vehicle is at least 25 feet from the public right-of-way. The change was presented to the board as a staff-initiated fix to align current enforcement with the forthcoming UDO and to reduce enforcement against property owners who would be compliant under the new rules.

Scott Whiteman of the Planning and Development Department said staff recommended the minor amendment after identifying numerous violations that would be moot once the new UDO takes effect. "Rather than citing multiple property owners for a violation that will no longer be applicable when the UDO becomes effective later this year, staff is recommending a minor text amendment that would allow RV parking on a driveway if it is at least 25 feet from the public right of way," Whiteman told the board. Chair Mike Lee asked whether homeowners' association rules could override the change; Whiteman replied that HOA covenants can be more restrictive and, if so, it is up to the HOA—not the city or county—to enforce them.

Commissioner Wendy Jacobs moved to adopt the ordinance revising Article 10 on parking and loading; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. Commissioner Michelle Burton then moved, and the board approved, a consistency statement required under North Carolina General Statute section 160D-605. The Planning Commission had recommended the amendment unanimously, and the City Council approved the same text at its prior meeting.