New Castle, De., parking

Background

Nov. 8, 2006

New Castle County Council, on Oct. 24, voted down an ordinance that would have legalized RV parking in driveways.

But a suspension of an existing law remains in effect, which means owners can park their RVs on their property.

The proposed ordinance, rejected by a 9-4 vote, would have:

• limited residents to two RVs on their property, with only one in the driveway;
• eliminated a minimum lot size requirement;
• required 3-foot clearance for vehicles parked on side or in rear; and
• eliminated a screening requirement.

In June 2005 council passed a measure requiring RVs to be parked on a hard surface in side or rear yards, if the lot was less than two acres. RVs also had to be screened from view. A few months later council suspended enforcement of these rules after citizens' complained the law was unfair.

The suspension is still in effect, so the county currently has no regulations for RV parking on residential lots.

Oct. 10, 2006

New Castle County (De.) Council is amending a portion of its property maintenance code that limits RV parking in neighborhoods.

Existing code, approved in summer 2005, requires RVs to be parked on asphalt or another hard surface in the side or rear yard, if the lot is less than two acres. The RV must be parked alongside the home and concealed from view by a row of evergreen trees on the opposite side.

In November 2005, in response to mounting complaints from residents, council tabled enforcement of the legislation until it could be revamped.

A revised RV parking ordinance is scheduled for introduction at council’s Oct. 10 meeting. The new legislation would:

• remove the prohibition of driveway parking;
• limit residents to two RVs on their property, with only one in the driveway;
• eliminate the minimum lot size requirement;
• requires 3-foot clearance for vehicles parked on side or in rear;
• eliminate the screening requirement; and
• does not override neighborhood deed restrictions.

After the ordinance is introduced, it will be sent back to council committee for discussion, per council rules. The legislation should return before council for public comment in a few weeks.

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New Castle County Council
www.co.new-castle.de.us/countyCouncil