Council to Decide on RV Parking Rules

Over objections from motor-home owners, a proposal to limit street parking of recreational vehicles to 24 hours is set for a vote by the City Council Monday.

“Generally, the complaints are from residents who are annoyed by the visual nuisance and, in some cases, the associated hazards of large vehicles blocking views of motorists,” Police Lt. Tim Newman stated in a report to the council.

There also is a perception of unfairness, Newman said. Residents have complained to the Police Department, saying: “I pay to store my RV in a commercial lot, but this guy keeps his on the street,” he said in his report.

The new ordinance, given preliminary approval last month, would place a 7-foot height limit on vehicles parked on city streets. Also, motor-home owners would no longer be able to purchase year-round overnight parking permits for their vehicles.

Vehicle owners are trying to delay the action, however, and have requested a less restrictive code. The city clerk’s office has received about 10 telephone calls and more than a dozen letters protesting the proposed ordinance, officials said.

Vehicle owners contend the number of complaints to the city about large vehicles is not enough to warrant changing the current law, which defines a large motor vehicle as 95 inches or more in width. The city’s Traffic Affairs Committee recommends an oversize vehicle be defined as 84 inches or more in width, more than 84 inches in height or more than 20 feet in length.

The City Council meets Monday at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.