Monterey Park : RV Parking Rules Eased

In response to pleas by advocates of recreational vehicles, the City Council has tentatively decided to relax the city’s parking laws.

Changing its position from a vote earlier this month, the council voted Tuesday to allow residents to park RVs in residential driveways anywhere inside the front property line, which begins at the sidewalk. Earlier versions of a proposed ordinance required that the vehicles be parked at least 10 feet inside that line.

Decades-old city laws require that any vehicles in driveways be parked within a garage, but city officials generally haven’t enforced this rule.

This week 10 residents told the council that they favored unrestricted parking of recreational vehicles in driveways. Several dozen RV enthusiasts applauded the speakers, including Ralph Canzano, who said: “The first RVs were the covered wagons.”

Councilman Barry Hatch, who has cited safety and aesthetic problems when RVs park in driveways, voted against the proposal. Before it becomes law, it must be considered by the council one more time.