Stricter Rules on RV Parking Approved

The City Council has approved restrictions that limit the parking of recreational vehicles on city streets.

In a 6-1 vote Monday, the panel approved banning trailers, RVs and boats 25 feet or longer from streets between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Councilman Jim Monahan voted no.

Last fall council members called the vehicles an eyesore and a safety hazard, adding that calls about oversized-vehicle parking were among the most frequent complaints they hear. Ventura Police Department officials said they have received dozens of letters and hundreds of telephone calls on the issue.

Following public outcry, the council postponed action on the law until a public workshop could be held in December.

The new law goes into effect in six months. Ventura currently allows RV owners to park their vehicles on the street for 72 hours before moving at least two-tenths of a mile away.

Ventura joins Camarillo in accepting one of the most restrictive laws on RV parking. Thousand Oaks has the 72-hour time limit. Oxnard and Simi Valley allow parking for loading and unloading only for a maximum of 24 hours.