SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SUB- COMMITTEE
The Recreational Vehicle Sub-Committee Meeting was held on June 27, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mrs. Hettinger, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Kinkus, Mr. Link, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Sibbald, Mrs. Townshend and Col. Welsh. Councilman Ruane was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Link moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Miller and unanimously carried.
Introduction of Members
Committee members introduced themselves and explained their interest in serving on the RV Committee.
Committee Procedure
Mr. Hogan informed members that the procedures for the committee will be relaxed and informal and that there would also be an opportunity for residents in attendance to voice their concerns and opinions. He noted the goal of the committee is to write a fair and reasonable policy that is enforceable and satisfies most residents.
Background Materials (Attachments #1, #2)
Copies of the City’s Boat/RV/Trailer ordinance (Section 106-123); in addition to the minutes from the April 25, 2006 Safety, Advisory and Transportation Committee public hearing meeting were distributed to all members. Also included in the background materials were photos taken of various recreation vehicles parked at residences inside and outside of the Dover community.
Members noted that the main issue with the current ordinance is that several items are not clearly defined. The committee will decide, upon further review and discussion, if the current ordinance will be written or modified.
Definitions
Members felt the different varieties of recreational vehicles were not clearly defined in the current ordinance. Mr. Hogan noted that there are several different types of campers/recreation vehicles including pop-up campers, towed campers, 5th wheel campers, pick-up campers, driven campers (class A & B), and conversion vans. All of these will be considered for inclusion in the revised ordinance.
Issues
Members noted that the length of the vehicles when parked is the primary concern of residents, since most recreational vehicles are eight (8) feet wide. Other items such as boats, utility trailers and water ski’s will be addressed in the revised ordinance. The most important issue regarding these vehicles, based on complaints and discussions with area residents, was determined to be the size of the vehicle in relation to the size of the property where they are parked. Other key issues discussed included the size of the street and property lot, especially the proximity to neighboring properties.
Mr. Hogan noted that a setback requirement for sheds currently exists in the City of Dover Code. The inclusion of a setback requirement for RV’s will be discussed in order to determine if such a provision should be recommended. The Committee’s discussion regarding setbacks will include defining the distance from the front and side property lines. The current ordinance states that the vehicle must be behind the front setback line and, depending on the zoning of the property, the setback line can be 20-30 feet from the front property line.
Mrs. Townshend explained the difference between “screening and shielded from view” and suggested that there should be further clarification. Mrs. Townshend stated that the height of the vehicle determines if it must be screened from adjacent properties, noting that the City does not allow fencing higher than six and one half feet. The issue of parking on paved and/or gravel surfaces was also discussed with members agreeing that this item needs further definition.
Although boats, trailers and recreation vehicles must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the City of Dover does not have registration requirements for recreation vehicles. However, there are ordinances prohibiting unlicensed vehicles and requiring recreational vehicles to be parked on a paved surface. There are several communities within the City that have deed restrictions regarding recreational vehicles; however, this would be difficult to enforce. Mr. Hogan indicated that grand fathering, lot size, the number of vehicles allowed, and other key issues will be discussed by the committee. Mrs. Townshend mentioned that requiring recreational vehicles to be operational and providing proof of ownership should also be considered.
The issue of on-street parking, along with the difficulties owners of recreational vehicles face with regards to loading and unloading times were discussed. There is currently no provision for owners to bring their recreational vehicle from a storage facility and to temporarily park it in their driveway. Mrs. Townshend suggested this issue should also be considered by the committee.
Mr. Hogan recessed at 8:02 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 8:22 P.M.
Mr. Hogan informed members that the new ordinance would be written to include all utility trailers, boats with trailers, personal water crafts and each type of recreational vehicle.
Noting that the current ordinance requires vehicles to be parked behind the setback line, Mr. Hogan stated that depending on the layout of the property and the zone, these setback lines can be different. The various lot types and layouts will be examined to provide a detailed definition of a setback line. Mr. Hogan proposed that a definition for setback from the front and back of the property be developed. Mrs. Townshend suggested that the definition of setback be stated as “the front corner of the house that is furthest from the right-of-way”. Mr. Hogan suggested that the additional setback distance from the side and back of the property be included.
Setting of Future Meeting Date
The next meeting of the RV Sub-Committee is scheduled for July 18, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.
Mr. Link moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Miller and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
KLH/hf
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20066-27-2006 RV Sub.wpd
Attachments to Original Minutes and File Copy:
Attachment #1 - Boats, RV, Trailer Parking Ordinances
Attachment #2 - Safety, Advisory & Transportation Committee Minutes of April 25, 2006