St. Joseph City Commissioners have rejected a proposal to allow the parking of RVs and other recreational vehicles in residential driveways.
At a Monday meeting, commissioners considered a resolution that would clean up and clarify some zoning language pertaining to parking.
The issue was first brought to the planning commission’s attention last summer by then-resident and now-City Commissioner Michael Fernandez. He requested that the rules be changed to allow RVs to be parked in front yard driveways. The planning commission came back with language this week that still wouldn’t allow such parking.
Mayor Brook Thomas said Monday while she personally would have no problem with RV parking in the city, she’ll side with the unanimous vote of the planning commission.
“They do a lot of training, they put a lot of thought and effort into these types of things,” Thomas said. “So, I have a hard time going against what the planning commission is recommending, especially an eight to zero vote.”
Other commissioners agreed with Thomas.
Fernandez told us at least he tried.
“I felt that it was an opportunity to send a message that families, whatever it is you want to do here, come to St. Joe,” Fernandez said. “I think it’s important to building our future that we bring more families in, and I thought that what I was proposing was in line with that goal.”
During the meeting, Fernandez said allowing RV parking in driveways wouldn’t hurt anyone. Plus, he noted the current rule against it is only enforced when there’s a complaint.
Commissioners instead approved the planning commission’s recommended zoning amendment without the proposal from Fernandez. The vote was four to one with Fernandez voting no.
