HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8929INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 8929
ISSUE
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This Informal Report provides the current status on proposed changes to the Oversized Vehicle
Ordinance. Included in this report are a couple of minor adjustments to the initial recommendation that
was publicly reviewed. These adjustments are being recommended based on information received at the
four public meetings. Unless objections are raised by City Council, the intent is to take the revised
recommendations back out for additional public comment in April and then report back to Council in May.
CURRENT STATUS
During March 2008, the Code Compliance Department conducted four public meetings (five were
scheduled; however, one was cancelled due to bad weather). Meeting announcements were distributed
through the Star - Telegram, posted on the City Page, posted on the Code Compliance website, inserted in
the Water bill using the City Times, e- mailed to Neighborhood Associations and discussed with citizens
through personal contact with Code Compliance employees.
Citizens have been very vocal on both sides of this issue. The information obtained at these public
meetings has been instrumental in staffs adjustments to the initial recommendation.
A summary of citizen concerns, comments and suggestions is listed in Attachment °A." Attachment °B° is
a table outlining staffs original recommendation and our revised recommendation. The revisions reflect
reasonable adjustments to address RV owner needs without compromising the intent to address safety,
compatibility and liability concerns.
Should you have any questions regarding
Brandon Bennett at (817) 392 -6322.
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Da a A. Fi er, P. E.
City Manager
this matter, please contact Acting Code Compliance Director
Attachments
A. Citizen Feedback
B. Proposed Changes to Vehicle Ordinance
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Attachment A
Citizen Feedback from Public Meetings
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• Recreational vehicles obstruct vision clearance.
• Recreational vehicles create a wall and disturb front yard open space continuity.
• Recreational vehicles reduce property values,
• Recreational vehicles create a safety hazards in smaller neighborhood.
• Recreational vehicles create an unsightly appearance in the neighborhoods.
• Allow recreational vehicles where improvements were built (concrete pads and car ports).
• Create set-back requirements.
• Create a legal non-conforming status ("grandfather" with criteria),
• Require a continuance permit for existing recreational vehicles.
• Allow oversized recreational vehicles behind a privacy fence in the side and rear yards.
• Regulate by registered length instead of actual physical length.
• The definition for oversized recreational vehicles should be 40' or greater.
• Added equipment makes some recreational vehicles over 20' in length.
• Make an exception for pop-up recreational vehicles.
• Some citizens cannot access the side or rear yards for parking.
• Regulate by lot size instead of vehicle length.
• Allow recreational vehicles for properties with extended front yards,
• Recreational vehicle size should not be a determining factor (if it fits let it sit).
• Do not regulate if the recreational vehicle is not visible from a public right of way,
• Perceived problems associated with storage facilities:
* Theft and damage,
* Some citizens cannot afford storage fees.
* Storage space is unavailable or limited.
* Storage space- must be rented of one year Periods.
* Resteicts vehicle use,
• Do not require a screening fence since recreational -vehicles are typically "taller than 6'.
• Enforce on a complaint basis only.
• Allow recreational vehicles owned by veterans.
Allow recreational ve-hicles if pe.—nittled b t e Home OwnerAssof��at�,,o-tid--r--d restrictions,
Proposevu4i ord'linaartil- may a t dealer hip sales,
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Attachment A
Citizen Feedback from Public Meetings
Enforce current codes and stop restricting private property.
• Multiple vehicles cause the same hazards.
• Recreational vehicle owners pay taxes and the City should welcome these vehicles.
• There are more serious problems.
• The City is micromanaging the citizens' lifestyles.
• Too much importance was placed on the survey conducted in 200512006 on length.
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Attachment B
Nevised Ordinance ProDosal for Recreational Vehicles
RV includes recreational vehicles, boat trailers or other similar trailers and converted
buses,
"No special regulations; however all general on and off-street parking regulations apply.