By Tyler Duncan
Evans, Colo., residents could soon only be able park their recreational vehicles in their driveways if they meet the specific regulations outlined by an ordinance city council passed recently. Those in violation of the new regulations could receive a fine up to $2,650. The city will review the ordinance in an upcoming meeting.
On June 25, an ad hoc committee for RVs, equipment and trailers met to discuss new requirements for the storage of these items to revise the current regulations and remove redundancies.
The ordinance would prohibit the parking of RVs, equipment and trailers in the public right of way for over 48 hours and would limit them to only parking on the owner’s paved driveway. The driveway would have to be free from weeds and an improved surface, which includes pavement or gravel.
The RV could not take up more than 50% of the driveway. The ordinance would also restrict RVs, equipment and trailers from having the appearance of being lived in when parked on the owner’s driveway.
An owner who would like to reside within an RV or trailer could request a free guest camping tag from the city clerk that would allow the recipient to stay within the vehicle for seven consecutive days every quarter. A tag would only be provided if the other requirements have been followed and the vehicle is legally registered to the occupant and operable.
“This is the thing I like the least in this ordinance,” Councilman Chris Delany said. “However, we asked the citizens for their input and this is it.”
Evans residents provided extensive feedback on this part of the ordinance to city council and the ad hoc committee. As such, the ordinance would also extend the total number of yearly consecutive camping days from 14 per year to 28 days per year. Residents could only camp seven consecutive days every quarter.
“The ad hoc committee really did not want this to be a heavy burden to residents that own these types of assets,” Crabtree said. “Having the goals that we had as the committee as well as this council, we just wanted to give as much flexibility as possible.”
The ordinance was passed on a first reading in a 5-1 vote with Mayor Mark Clark being the only dissenting vote.
Tyler Duncan is a contributor to prairiemountainmedia.com
