Goleta considers private property parking ban for recreational vehicles

The City of Goleta is discussing a possible ban on parking motor homes, boats, trailers, campers and other recreational vehicles on residents’ property.

The topic has been discussed at open houses and has generated a vocal public response. Goleta residents who own these types of vehicles oppose the idea.

After a workshop Tuesday night, the majority of the city’s Planning Commission decided they will not recommend additional parking regulations at this time, according to Goleta’s Director of Planning and Development, Peter Imhof.

Imhof says public opposition to the idea of a parking ban on private property contributed to that decision.

“There was a huge public turnout on this issue and I think that that probably had a big influence on the planning commission’s deliberation,” Imhof said.

The idea is still on the table, however. The issue could be discussed at a joint meeting between Goleta City Council and the Planning Commission, scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. The public will be able to make comments at that meeting.

The City is considering additional regulations as it reevaluates all of its zoning rules. Imhof says issues involving these large recreational vehicles include privacy, aesthetics and the potential for some RV’s to be used to illegally house people.

It is already illegal in Goleta to park these large recreational vehicles on the street for extended periods of time. A ban on private property parking would force owners to pay to store recreational vehicles at specialized lots.

Residents told NewsChannel 3 that a lack of these facilities locally have made some of their neighbors who are unable to park at home drive to Lompoc or Ventura to find a place to park their vehicle.

Tony Towe lives in Goleta and owns a motor home and boat. He parks both on his driveway and says he is “100 percent” opposed to the idea of an RV private property parking ban.

“I think if you buy your own home and your vehicles are running, they’re tagged, they’re registered, you know, everything’s up to date,” Towe said. “They’re insured, they’re not an eyesore and the neighbors aren’t complaining–my neighbors haven’t complained, no one’s said a word to me–if you keep ’em off the street, on your own property, what’s the problem?”