At the November 7, 2006 Council meeting, Council Member Golonski asked that the Council consider calling an advisory election during the upcoming General Municipal Election on the issue of City regulation of the parking of Recreational Vehicles in residential areas. 

Normally under the Council�s policy we would bring this issue back as part of the two step process to determine first if there is sufficient support on the Council for such an election.  But since the General Municipal Election is set for Tuesday, April 10, 2007, the time to call such an advisory election is short.  If we were to follow the Council�s normal process the opportunity for the Council to call such an election would in all practicality be delayed for two years until the next election cycle, unless, of course, the Council chose to call a costly special election, which the Council has been hesitant to do except in the most urgent circumstances.  Therefore we have presented the requisite ordinance calling the election as part of this report.

There have been some complaints regarding the parking of recreational vehicles on residential streets in the City in that they block views, limit traffic visibility and on narrow streets are often wider than normal vehicles.  The issue of recreational vehicle parking on city streets was initially brought before the Traffic and Transportation Committee at its regular meeting of July 14, 2005.  Several Burbank residents spoke about a problem of recreational vehicles parking in their neighborhoods.  Major issues raised at that meeting included unsightliness, vehicle safety and personal safety concerns caused by persons living in recreational vehicles.  The issue was subsequently discussed at several other Traffic and Transportation Committee meetings.

The primary issues associated with on-street recreational vehicle parking raised at these meetings are as follows:

            Issues against on-street recreational vehicle parking restrictions:

            Parking

            No off-street parking for recreational vehicles available.

            Off-street parking locations are too remote for convenient access to vehicles.

            Off-street parking for recreational vehicles is too expensive.

            The recreational vehicles are too large to park on owner�s property.

            The 72 hour restriction is sufficient to police on-street recreational vehicle parking.

            Parking Permits

            Parking permits are too hard and time consuming to get.

            Owners need several days to set up and take down recreational vehicle.

            Restrictions on permits are impractical since recreational vehicles used often.

            Issues for restricted on-street recreational vehicle parking

            Large vehicle parking unsafe, particularly at intersections.

            All surrounding cities have restrictions, so recreational vehicles park in Burbank.           

            On-street large vehicle storage unsightly in residential areas.

            Large vehicles stored for long periods without being moved.

            Personal safety problem with unknown persons in parked recreational vehicles.

A large group of recreational vehicle owners attended the Traffic and Transportation Committee meeting of May 11, 2006 to voice issues of those who own recreational; vehicles, and the subject was further discussed at subsequent meetings. 

A final public meeting was hosted by the Traffic and Transportation Committee on November 9, 2006 to thoroughly discuss the issues associated with the parking of recreational vehicles on public rights-of-way.  The meeting was held at the Buena Vista Library and all who had expressed interest in the subject were personally invited by letter.  The meeting was attended by 74 persons and 35 of the attendees spoke on the issues.  A majority of the speakers were recreational vehicle owners, although several persons spoke in favor of imposing parking restrictions.

Issues and suggestions gleaned from these meetings included:

            On-street recreational vehicle parking blocks views and compromises safety.

            Annual no fee permit is acceptable for most owners.

            Permits should not have restrictions on the number of days parked on-street.

            Accommodations must be made for visitors with recreational vehicles.

            Trips are often impromptu, so call in permit is impractical.

            The current 72 hour time limit is often not enough.

            Permit parking is currently not enforced.

            Recreational vehicle owners should be able to park in residence front setback.

            No convenient, inexpensive off-street parking is available for vehicles.

            Recreational vehicles cause blind spots at driveways and street corners.

            On-street recreational vehicle parking lowers property values.

Recreational vehicles come in a variety of lengths, widths, heights and configurations so it is important to be specific when seeking to impose restrictions.  The general classifications of these vehicle types are:

Motorhomes[1]

Conventional Travel Trailer � Vehicle typically 12 to 35 feet long towed by another vehicle.  Small units can be towed by a car or SUV, but large units must be towed by heavy duty vehicles.

Fifth Wheel Travel Trailer � Vehicle typically 17 to 40 feet long designed to be towed by a truck or other vehicle with a fifth-wheel hitch.

Folding Camper Trailer � Recreational camping unit, typically 15 to 23 feet long, that folds up like a tent, designed to be towed by another vehicle.

Truck Camper � A lightweight, detachable recreational camping unit designed to be attached to the bed of or chassis of a truck, typically 15 to 23 feet long.

Type A Motorhome � A self-propelled, fully contained recreational vehicle, 21 to 40 feet long, built on a motor vehicle chassis specifically designed for a motorhome.  Resembles a bus and can tow other small vehicles.

Type B Motorhome � A recreational vehicle, 16 to 21 feet long, converted from a panel truck or van.

Type C Motorhome � A self propelled, fully contained motorhome with a cab over bunk built on a cut away automotive van chassis that retains the cab.  Vehicles are 21 to 35 feet long.

Van Conversion � A van, truck or SUV with raised roof that has been modified as a recreational vehicle.  Standard length up to 20 feet.

Other Vehicle Types

Toy Hauler � A towed vehicle or fifth wheel of various lengths that is designed to carry motorcycles or other equipment in addition to sleeping quarters.

Boat Trailer � A towed vehicle of various lengths that is designed to carry one or more watercraft.

Horse Trailer � A towed vehicle of various lengths that is designed to carry one or more animals.

Applicable Laws

Applicable laws and ordinances regulating the parking of recreational vehicles by the State of California, Burbank, and other communities are summarized below.  Large vehicle parking can be controlled in several ways; by time, by weight, or by size.

California Vehicle Code

The California Vehicle Code includes the following codes:

Vehicle Code �22505 � Allows communities, by ordinance, to prohibit the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles in excess of 6 feet in height where the vehicle will interfere with the free movement of traffic.

Vehicle Code �22507 � Allows communities, by ordinance or resolution, to prohibit the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles more than 6 feet in height within 100 feet of an intersection.  Vehicles may be exempted by permit issued by the community.

Vehicle Code �22507.5 � Allows communities, by ordinance or resolution, to prohibit the stopping, standing, or parking of any vehicle on a city street between the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM; or the parking of any commercial vehicle of 10,000 pounds or more within a residential district.

City of Burbank

The City of Burbank does not restrict the parking of large vehicles other than the 72 hour parking restriction authorized by the California Vehicle Code.

Other Communities

Most of the communities near Burbank have instituted some restrictions on the parking of recreational vehicles on public rights-of-way.  These restrictions are summarized below.

            Pasadena � (PMC 10.42.050) Pasadena restricts all on-street parking between the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM, except by permit.  Permits are issued only for vehicles not exceeding 7 feet in height and no wider than a parking space (8 feet).  Temporary permits are available for emergencies and visitors.  Permits cost $21.00 per vehicle per month.

            Glendale � (GMC 10.36.130) Glendale prohibits the parking of large vehicles for more than 2 hours on a public street.  A large vehicle is one larger than 8 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 23 feet long.  A permit can be obtained for a fee of $10.00 for a period no longer than 48 hours.

            Arcadia � (AMC 7911) Arcadia prohibits all on-street parking between the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM, and the city specifically prohibits the parking of any camping paraphernalia or facilities.

            Los Angeles � (LAMC 80.69) Los Angeles prohibits the parking of any vehicle over 6 feet in height within 100 feet of an intersection when signs are posted.  Additionally, vehicles in excess of 7 feet high and 22 feet long are prohibited from parking between the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM.  Permits to park overnight are not issued for recreational vehicles.

            Culver City � (Ord. 2005-008) Culver City prohibits the parking of any large vehicle in a residential area for more than 48 hours to load and unload, except that an additional 24 hours may be allowed if the vehicle is parked adjacent to the residence and permitted by the Chief of Police.  A large vehicle is one over 7 feet wide, 7 feet high and 20 feet long.

The Council has three main options.  First, the Council could place the proposed advisory vote before the voters to determine their feelings on the matter of restrictions on parking of recreational vehicles on the street in residential areas.  This could take the form of the question presented in the draft ordinance or some modification of that question.  Second, the Council could direct staff to come back with an ordinance to directly impose some form of parking restrictions.  Finally, the Council could decide not to take any action at this time.  In that the Traffic and Transportation Committee has been intimately involved with this issue, the Council may or may not wish to further involve them in this process.

It is recommended that the Council review and discuss this matter and either adopt the ordinance calling the advisory election or direct staff as appropriate.

cc:       Mary Alvord, City Manager

            Mike Flad, Assistant City Manager

            Bonnie Teaford, Public Works Director

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