CYPRESS : Despite Protests, City OKs RV Regulation

Despite protests from angry recreational vehicle owners, the City Council on Monday gave initial approval to an ordinance designed to ban their long-term parking on city streets.

The measure would fine residents who park such vehicles on city streets for more than 48 hours, though it provided exceptions for new residents and new owners of recreational vehicles, among others. The council approved initial passage 4 to 1 and will consider final passage next month.

Under the measure, owners of large vehicles--defined as those that exceed eight feet in height, 22 feet in length or 92 inches in width--can be fined $25 a day for leaving them on city streets for more than two days. Residents who want to park beyond the 48-hour limit need a permit.

Recreational vehicle owners protested the plan, complaining that they were being unfairly singled out. “I believe if something isn’t broken you shouldn’t fix it,” said Al Berg, a 17-year resident of Cypress. “This ordinance isn’t fair.”

Many demanded to know what had prompted the measure and said they had not been given sufficient warning. Others asked for a report on the number of complaints the city had received and information on accidents or other problems that RV’s have caused.

City Council members explained that although they didn’t keep track of the complaints, they had received several.

“The people won’t complain to you,” said Councilman Walter K. Bowman. “But, boy, they will tell us about it.”

Monday’s action came after more than a year of discussion on the issue. That debate was sparked by a recreational vehicle owner who complained that the current laws, which ban such parking for more than 72 hours, are too restrictive. His complaint, however, sparked a flurry of calls to City Hall--not for fewer restrictions, but for more.

During the last year the ordinance has gone through many forms. The plan given initial approval this week provides for several exceptions to the 48-hour rule. If the vehicle belongs to a house guest or is used as the sole source of transportation, a permit can be obtained. New residents and those who have recently purchased a recreational vehicle are also allowed to park it on the street for six months while storage is being found.