By Bryan Boggiano
Certain recreational and commercial vehicle parking regulations might be lifted if the city commission moves forward with two pilot programs.
The commission approved the programs Wednesday on first reading, moving the city one step closer to allowing residents and business owners greater flexibility for parking these vehicles.
The pilot program for recreational vehicles would allow residents to park them on a paved driveway at their homes from 6 a.m. on Fridays until 9 p.m. on Sundays. If Monday falls on a Federal holiday, residents can leave them parked until 9 p.m.
The current city code states that residents cannot park commercial or recreational vehicles next to or on their property between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Mondays through Saturday. Sundays are forbidden.
The only exception to the code is if owners keep their vehicles in a garage or carport, entirely concealing them from view.
Under the second program, businesses can park commercial vehicles in front after 9 p.m. or when the center or plaza closes, whichever is earlier. Currently, they can park in front after 9 p.m. or after all businesses in the plaza close, whichever is later.
During a second reading, the commission will discuss the programs further at their Feb. 16 meeting.
Changes to the regulations come as residents and business owners reported vehicle break-ins or complained to the commission about the code. The commission discussed the matters at their Oct. 6 and Oct. 27 workshop meetings.
Coral Springs enacted the relevant ordinance to maintain city aesthetics and defines recreational vehicles as truck campers, travel trailers, camper trailers, private motor coaches, boats, boat trailers, ultralight aircraft, airboats, motorhomes, and park trailers.
City staff does not recommend changes; however, if the city commission decides to change the code, staff recommends establishing a pilot program to be closely monitored and evaluated, and in effect for one year. Code Enforcement will document properties to evaluate that they are compliant.
While deliberating, commission members expressed cautious optimism, saying that they would need good oversight although the pilot programs show promise.
“This pilot is gonna be watched very closely,” said Commissioner Shawn Cerra. “We don’t want people to abuse the extra extension or opportunity.”
Commissioner Joy Carter moved to approve the programs, which Commissioner Nancy Metayer seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor.
The second reading is held on Wed., Feb. 16, during their 6:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall, located at 9500 W. Sample Road.
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