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Except for a lone voice of dissent, the residents who packed the city council chambers Aug. 20 stated that they did not want ordinances regarding recreational vehicles, boats and trailers changed. As a result, the city will most likely not study the issue, considering the lack of public interest shown in changing the regulations. The public hearing had been scheduled by the city council after they received complaints by residents, according to Vice Mayor Julia Miller.
"There are no specific regulations just for RVs," said Robert Paternoster, director of community development. "The current regulations are for RVs, boats and trailers."
According to the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, recreational vehicles must not be parked within 100 feet of any intersection, must be licensed and operable and cannot be left in one location for more than 72 hours. A boat must be licensed and covered while stored on a trailer.
"The current policy is fine," Wanda McGarret said, echoing the words of most of those who spoke. "Leave it alone—don't waste any time or money on new regulations."
Owners of RVs, boats and trailers—mostly seniors and longtime residents of Sunnyvale—said storing these vehicles in a separate area would not be cost-effective or convenient for them, and that they could not use them readily if they were not parked right outside their homes. One resident said that since he is on dialysis, he has his RV set up with all the medical equipment necessary for him in case of an emergency.
RVs could be a great resource for the whole community during emergencies, many residents said, adding that neighbors do not have the right to harass them as they can park their vehicles in their own driveways as long as they keep them well-maintained and clean and not violate any regulations.
However, one resident voiced his disapproval of the current lack of codes concerning RVs.
"I don't want to see them in my neighborhood," Todd Eyring said.
He said that these RVs and boats—being huge—sometimes protrude from driveways, making it difficult to see around them or go past them. Eyring also referred to the cords and connections that RVs require for services and utilities. Most often the cords run across sidewalks, which can be dangerous for pedestrians, he said.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee had no position on this issue, said Commissioner Kevin Jackson. However, Jackson did point out the inconvenience and potential danger that RVs parked on the streets could pose to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Council members directed Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Chief Ernie Bakin to monitor the RV parking situation to ensure public safety.
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