Rules tighten for McCleary RVs

Rules apply to RV parking on private property

By Corey Morris Vidette Editor • October 6, 2016 1:30 am
(Corey Morris | The Vidette) RVs in McCleary, like this one parked at an East Oak Street residence on Oct. 3, could be subject to new regulations following the approval of a city ordinance approved by the city council on Sept. 28.
(Corey Morris | The Vidette) RVs in McCleary, like this one parked at an East Oak Street residence on Oct. 3, could be subject to new regulations following the approval of a city ordinance approved by the city council on Sept. 28.

The McCleary City Council adopted an ordinance on Sept. 28 that will set criteria for parking RVs on private property.

A potential ordinance had been discussed since spring, and three drafts were provided to the council by City Attorney Dan Glenn.

In the end, Glenn recommended draft C, which outlines possible enforcement for city staff. City public works director Todd Baun also recommended draft C.

“The C draft is simple and straightforward that the individual would be issued a citation under our current zoning code,” Glenn said. “With the nuisance ordinance, it’s always a challenge… it gets very specific.”

The ordinance will apply to all RVs, travel trailers, folding tent trailers, motor homes, truck campers removed from a truck, as well as horse trailers, boat trailers (with or without boats), recreation trailers, utility trailers, boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles and other motorized recreational vehicles.

RVs, trailers and the other vehicles mentioned above, cannot be parked in front of a residence unless there is no access to the side or backyards. If parked in front of a residence, it can’t block the address.

Any registrations and licenses on trailers must be kept current to be parked on property within city limits.

The vehicle must be owned or leased by the property owner or the property tenant, and it must be kept “clean” and “tidy,” and the vehicle or trailer must be in “operable condition.”

People are not allowed to live in RVs on private property within city limits, according to the ordinance. Guests can stay in an RV for up to 30 days.

While RVs can’t be permanently connected to utilities, the ordinance does allow for RVs to be temporarily connected to water and electricity for moisture control.

Conversations during previous council meetings included language that would have required a cover over RVs, however residents asked the council to not require covers due to mold and trapped moisture.

The ordinance unanimously was approved by the council.