SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SUB-COMMITTEE
The Recreational Vehicle Sub-Committee Meeting was held on August 29, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mrs. Hettinger, Mr. Link, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Sibbald, Colonel Welsh and Mrs. Townshend. Mrs. Kinkus was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Miller moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Hettinger and unanimously carried.
Anchoring - Staff Update on Research
During the meeting of August 16, 2006, Mrs. Sibbald and Mrs. Kinkus expressed concern that there is no requirement for RV’s to be anchored. Chairman Hogan requested staff to research the necessity of anchoring RV’s and report back to the Committee.
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, advised members that staff conducted the research, as requested, and no additional information was found on this subject (Attachment #1).
Grand fathering/Time Limit to Comply
Mrs. Townshend expressed concerns with the inclusion of a “grandfather” clause in the revised ordinance. She noted that it would be difficult to enforce any legal non-conforming structure that is mobile.
After further discussion, the majority of members agreed that establishing a formal appeal or waiver program would increase staff’s workload.
Review of Draft Ordinance
Members reviewed the draft ordinance amending Appendix B-Zoning, Article 6 - Off Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities and Article 12 - Definitions. (Attachment #2)
Colonel Welsh requested that section 1.12, subsection (a), include the following “in garage, concealed from view”.
Mrs. Sibbald questioned why the screening requirement, discussed during the meeting on July 18, 2006, was not included in the draft ordinance. She felt that screening should be included in the draft ordinance, in addition to the set back requirement. Majority of members agreed with the set back requirement.
Members discussed notifying all City residents using utility bill and other forms of public notification.
Mr. Bernhard Greenfield, 901 Wilson Drive, expressed concerns regarding the proposed draft ordinance. Mr. Tony Hummel, 476 Fiddlers Green, suggested that a definition be included for enclosed utility trailers. He also suggested personal water crafts also be included in the revised ordinance.
Other Issues
Mr. Hogan noted that Chapter 106, Section 106-123, subsection (d) would be amended to provide residents with recreational vehicles sufficient time to load and unload. A 24-hour time restriction will be placed on the parking of recreational vehicles on residential streets.
Mr. Hogan indicated that if the revised ordinance could be finalized during the next meeting, it would be considered during the Regular Meeting of the Safety Advisory, and Transportation Committee Meeting of September 26, 2006.
Setting of Future Meeting Date
The next Recreational Vehicle Sub-Committee Meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Mrs. Hettinger moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Miller and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
KLH/hf
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20068-29-2006 RV Sub.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 Staff Correspondence Regarding the Anchoring of RV’s
Attachment #2 - Draft Ordinance
ATTACHMENT #1
STAFF CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING ANCHORING OF RV’S
From: Townshend, Ann Marie
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 10:59 AM
To: Ford, Hollie; Hogan, Kenneth L
Subject: Anchoring of RV's
I had staff research the issue of anchoring RV's. Our new planner is from Florida, and since they
get so many hurricanes he focused his research on that State. He could not find anything that
requires anchoring of RV's, just anchoring of mobile homes.
On another note, I think we figured out where in the Zoning Ordinance we need to address
temporary portable storage units. We're going to work on something for this, but I think it can be
done independently of this subcommittee as it goes beyond their scope. If you want to include in
the subcommittee, let me know.
ATTACHMENT #2
DRAFT ORDINANCE
Draft Changes to RV, Boat & Trailer Parking Requirements
Amend Appendix B - Zoning Article 12. Definitions by inserting the following definitions in it proper alphabetical order:
Recreational Vehicle: A motorized or towable vehicle that combines transportation and temporary living quarters for travel, recreation and camping.
Section 1. Permitted accessory parking.
1.1 [Off-street parking spaces. ]Off-street parking spaces, open or enclosed, are permitted accessory to any use. One commercial vehicle may be parked on a lot in any residence zone only if less than one ton in carrying capacity.
1.12 [1.2] Trailers and boats. The storage or parking and use of a house trailer by any person or persons is prohibited in all residential zones, except the mobile home park (MHP) zone. A boat with its trailer, a utility trailer, and an unoccupied travel trailer under 31 feet body length or an unoccupied motor home may be parked within a garage or anywhere behind the setback line if screened from adjacent lots. However, none of the vehicles shall be parked in a required side yard if alley parking adjacent to the lot is available.
1.12 Trailers, boats and recreational vehicles. The storage or parking and use of a house trailer is prohibited in all residential zones, except the mobile home park (MHP) zone. A boat with its trailer, a utility trailer, and an unoccupied recreational vehicle may be parked in residential zones, subject to the following restrictions:
a) Such vehicles must be parked either in the garage or behind the point on the front of the house that is furthest from the front property line.
b) Such vehicles must be parked a minimum of five feet from the side and rear property lines.
c) No more than one such vehicle may be stored outside of the garage on a residential lot.
d) Such vehicles must be parked on an improved surface, consisting of asphalt, concrete, pavers, or a gravel or stone surface.
e) Such vehicles must be operational and must maintain current registration with the State of Delaware, Division of Motor Vehicles.
f) Within [AMOUNT OF TIME TO BE DETERMINED] from the date of adoption of the ordinance, all residential lots must be in compliance with the requirements of this section.
1.13 [1.3] Driveways. No driveway shall provide access to a lot located in another zone, which lot is used for any use prohibited in the zone in which such driveway is located.
(Ord. of 9-12-1983; Ord. of 1-10-1996)