By Bryan Boggiano
The city commission paved the way for more relaxed parking rules for certain vehicles.
At the Feb. 16 meeting, the city commission approved two pilot programs, one for commercial vehicles the other for recreational vehicles allowing businesses and residents more parking flexibility.
The commission previously approved the programs on the first reading on Feb. 2.
The pilot program for recreational vehicles will 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.
Before the commission’s vote, residents could not park recreational vehicles next to or on their property between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Mondays through Saturday; however, Sundays were forbidden.
For the second pilot program, businesses in plazas can park commercial vehicles in front of their companies at 9.m. or after the last business closes, whichever is earlier.
Before the commission’s vote, businesses had to park their commercial vehicles in the building’s rear until 9 p.m., or after the last business closes, whichever was later.
According to city documents, the regulations have existed since the city was founded in 1963.
For some businesses, especially those near restaurants or bars, the earliest they could park their vehicles in front of their businesses was after midnight, according to Julie Krolak, director of developmental services.
Changes to the regulations come as residents and business owners reported vehicle break-ins or complained about the code. The commission discussed the matters at their Oct. 6 and Oct. 27 workshop meetings.
To maintain city aesthetics, Coral Springs enacted the original ordinance defining recreational vehicles as truck campers, travel trailers, camper trailers, private motor coaches, boats, boat trailers, ultralight aircraft, airboats, motorhomes, and park trailers.
City staff did not recommend changes; however, they did recommend a one-year pilot program to be closely monitored while code enforcement evaluates compliance.
While the commission welcomed the changes, they expressed cautious optimism about the program. Commissioner Shawn Cerra supported the programs and urged city staff to ensure that residents and businesses do not abuse them.
“This is about an opportunity for those who have recreational vehicles to do the right thing to be respectful, but if they don’t, then the city is gonna have to hold them accountable,” Commissioner Cerra said.
Commissioner Nancy Metayer moved to approve the programs, which Vice Mayor Simmons seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor.
The pilot programs run through Feb. 16, 2023.
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