BOAT PARKING ON RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAYS
ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 14, 2024 | ITEM: 5.8
1 CURRENT CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
If a CSO is dispatched to the complaint of any type of trailer, RV, motorhome, semi-trailer being stored on the driveway the CSO will do as follows:
1. The CSO will attempt to make contact with the resident to let them know that they cannot store trailers/RVs in the driveway since it violates LMC 17.76.020 (B)(1), which states the following:
“In any residential district, no recreation vehicle, including motor home, camping trailer, boat trailer, boat, pick-up camper, fifth wheel or dune buggy or utility trailer shall be stored or parked except within an enclosed side or rear yard or within a garage carport; no semi-truck and trailer, semitruck, trailer or other truck exceeding one ton of capacity shall be parked within any residential district.”
2. CSO will give 72 hours for the resident to relocate the trailer.
3. The CSO will follow up and if the trailer is still there, the property owner and resident will both be issued a Notice of Violation. They will be given 7 to 10 days to comply.
4. If not compliance,the resident and/or property owner will be issued a citation for violating LMC 17.76.020(B).
5. The resident/property owner will continue to be cited until compliance. 2 CURRENT CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
If we receive a complaint of an RV/trailer in the back yard, CSO will:
1. The CSO will inspect property to see if the RV is visible from the right of way. If they can see the RV, they will attempt to make contact with the owner and request to inspect the back yard. RV's can be stored in the yard but must be stored on an approved surface per LMC 10.25.040 Rear yard vehicle parking which states the following:
“If the responsible person wishes to park vehicles in his or her rear yard, the vehicle shall be parked on an approved surface, compacted gravel, or clean dirt. Vehicles must be set away at least three feet from the rear yard fence and three feet from all structures. This is intended to grant egress and ingress of safety personnel and equipment during fire or police emergencies. Rear yards shall not be used as a storage place for vehicles stowed away for commercial purposes.”
2. The CSO will provide a courtesy notice and follow up within 7 to 10 days.
3. If there is no compliance the resident/property owner will be then issued a Notice of Violation providing another 7 to 10 days to comply.
4. If still no compliance, the resident/property owner will be cited for violating LMC 10.25.040.
5. The resident/property owner will continue to be cited until compliance. 3 4
PROS OF CASE-BY-CASE APPROACH
FLEXIBILITY
Allows for customized decisions based on the unique characteristics of each location and situation. ADDRESS SPECIFIC NEEDS
Tailored solutions can address particular concerns, like environmental impact or local community preference. ADAPTABILITY
Can quickly respond to changing conditions such as seasonal variations, increased traffic, or weather-related issues. CONFLICT MITIGATION
Helps manage conflicts by addressing specific disputes or concerns on a one-on-one basis. 5 CONS OF CASE-BY-CASE APPROACH
TIME-CONSUMING
Each case requires thorough investigation an decision-making, leading to slower outcomes. INCONSISTENT ENFORCEMENT
May lead to unpredictable or inconsistent rules that can confuse boat owners and residents. RESOURCE INTENSIVE
Requires more personnel, money, and administrative effort to evaluate and resolve individual cases. POTENTIAL BIAS
Decision making on a case-by-case can introduce bias or perceptions of unfair treatment. Conflict with CC&R’s that restrict boat parking in neighborhood. Visual impact and neighborhood aesthetics vary depending on the location. SAFETY CONCERNS
Boats parked in the driveway can obstruct sightlines, sidewalks, or emergency access vehicles.
EXAMPLES OF BOATS THAT WERE TAGGED AND TOWED
IN 2024
6 EXAMPLES OF BOATS THAT WERE TAGGED AND TOWED
IN 2024
7 8
EXAMPLES OF BOATS THAT WERE TAGGED AND
TOWED IN 2024
9 RECOMMENDATION
Council to discuss and provide direction to staff regarding boat parking on residential driveways on a case-by-case basis and the criteria to avoid the use of selective enforcement.