CYPRESS : Law Would Limit Big-Vehicle Parking

After months of heated debate, the City Council this week gave preliminary approval to an ordinance designed to reduce the numbers of large vehicles on city streets.

Taking bits and pieces of similar laws adopted in other Orange County cities, the council drafted an ordinance on Monday that places restrictions on large vehicles but does not ban them outright.

In the initial draft, which must still be officially adopted to become law, the council agreed to prohibit large vehicles from parking on city streets for more than 48 hours unless the owners have a special permit. Large vehicles are defined as vehicles more than eight feet high and 21 feet long.

The council also agreed to allow parking beyond the two-day limit under special circumstances. Residents who have just purchased a large vehicle or have recently moved to the city can obtain a 14-day permit to park on the street while locating a storage yard.

Exceptions will also be made for residents who have guests in their homes or who use the vehicle each day.

Monday’s action came after months of debate on the issue. It first surfaced when a recreational vehicle owner complained that the current laws, under which residents could be cited for leaving their vehicles on the street more than 72 hours, were too restrictive. This sparked a flurry of calls to City Hall--not for fewer restrictions but for more.

Over the months, the council has spent hours trying to devise a solution, sending the proposal back to the Traffic Commission and even considering putting it on the ballot to let the voters decide.

Council members defended the preliminary ordinance, saying they didn’t want to penalize responsible recreational vehicle owners, but needed to target those who take advantage of free parking.

“I think we are trying to be as sensitive as we can to good RV owners,” Councilwoman Gail H. Kerry said. “But there are people who need to know that they are not going to find it cheaper to park in the streets than in the lots.”

Some RV owners lashed out at the council, saying it was giving in to the demands of a few people. “We are good people,” said resident Joe Hardcastle, a vocal opponent of the restrictions.

Official approval of the ordinance is expected next month. Enforcement is not expected to begin for six months.