By Victoria Martinez
reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com
After months of discussion and debate, the Buellton City Council approved revisions to an ordinance that controls where RVs, boats and trailers can be parked. The latest changes will allow the vast majority of properties in the city to comply with the regulations.
The council approved the ordinance by a 4-1 vote, with Vice Mayor Dave King voting no. King has had continuing concerns with the proposed revisions to the ordinance’s front-yard setback requirement, believing that a minimum of five feet would be a safer option than the new rule that requires 2.5 feet.
In the face of opposition from more than a dozen citizens on July 27, council members delayed last fall’s scheduled enforcement of an updated ordinance that had been approved in February 2017.
The newest ordinance will require all RVs, boats and trailers to be parked at least two and a half feet from either a front or side property line and three feet from structures. Parking in driveways or on the “short side” of the yard will also be acceptable as long as the area being used has concrete or pavers, and the items being parked allow for the property-line distance requirements.
The February 2017 ordinance allowed for driveway parking only if the owner had a three-car garage. Rules for parking in rear and side yards remain similar to those adopted in 2008.
City staff members who performed a “windshield survey” of the city believe that under the new ordinance, only three owners would have to find alternative storage locations for their RV, boat or trailer.
A six-month grace period has been put in place for those residents who feel they are affected by the new ordinance.
For more information, call City Hall at 805-688-5177.
