RV owner Larry Willis recently addressed Middleburg Heights officials about changing city code to allow him and his neighbors to store their vehicles outside at home on a long-term basis from April through November.
He was one of many residents who own recreational vehicles hoping Middleburg Heights officials would reconsider city codes prohibiting RVs from being stored outside on residential properties on a long-term basis.
Based on the June 25 Zoning and Building Code Committee meeting, however, the likelihood of amending or overturning the current zoning restriction, first adopted in 1983, appears doubtful.
Recently retired Middleburg Heights Building Commissioner Norm Herwerden spoke at a previous committee meeting, noting that RV owners may keep their vehicles at home long term as long as they store them in an enclosed structure.
“This code has been around a long time,” Herwerden said May 6. “We try to work with all the residents that are truly just bringing their camper home to clean it, pack it or whatever.”
At the June 25 meeting, Bagley Road resident and fifth-wheel travel trailer owner Larry Willis tried to make his case for allowing him to park his RV at home longer than the five consecutive days — up to a maximum of 20 days per year — that the code allows.
“What we are asking … is that during the camping season, from April all the way to November, for this to be added (to the code) so we can have the vehicles that we own, and that we paid for, on our property,” Willis said.
Committee Chairman Mike Ference responded by saying the code restriction “was established through careful consideration and discussion.”
Similarly, Councilman Bill Meany told Willis the regulation was not created “in a vacuum.”
“It was thoroughly vetted,” Meany stressed. “That code survived for 20 years. The new code passed in 2022 after almost a year of review. We’ve heard (requests like yours) before, but this issue was thoroughly discussed and collectively rejected.”
Meany added that changing city code to accommodate outdoor RV storage based on a resident’s property lot size would create more problems.
Ference voiced concern about adequate sight distance if an RV parked in a driveway blocks the view.
Mayor Matt Castelli then said he would meet with Willis. “I don’t know that it’s going to change anything, but I’ll come out (to your property) and take a look,” Castelli told him. “Let’s talk through it.”
