Is a driveway a "setback"?

[Live 2 Camp]

CampinGirl, how'd your meeting go?

I sure hope you took the photo with you of your neighbor blocking the sidewalk.

[CampinGirl]

The meeting went well. The officer was really helpful in explaining what is & isn't allowed as far as storage, and how some of our neighbors still have long-term storage options that are within the law, provided they make a few changes.
He was extremely flexible on the time it takes to accomplish all of that & just asked everyone to keep in touch & show that they're making progress on whatever they're doing to fit behind the setback.
He admitted the code is vague in that it lists automobiles as well as rv's but told us that in the past, when going before a judge, it's always been applied differently to autos that move everyday.
He recommended going forward with a petition & taking it to the city. Apparently they've even considered the idea of making this code not applicable during the spring & summer when everyone is using their toys more often. (But in my mind I feel like if it can not apply at certain times, why does it need to apply at any time?)
As for our situation, our RV is at the electrician for a while. And in the future when we want to bring it here to work on it, or prep for a trip, or if it gets stuck, etc. to just communicate that to him & he'll not need to come out over any complaints that come in.
And yes they asked for the photos of the other parking violation so they could address it.

Other than that, we & the neighborhood are planning a big get together since we've all bonded over this whole thing. �� I'm gonna go ahead and invite the complaining neighbor too but I'm not gonna hold my breath on her showing up. (She'll just be watching us all thru her window blinds instead.)

[mel s]

Originally Posted by CampinGirl

We recently inherited a Motorhome after a family member passed away. Since it was unexpected, we have been trying to do insurance & registration & find a storage place for it. I looked up our city code & couldn't find anything saying we couldn't park in our driveway. We don't block any sidewalks or anything like that. And we don't have any CC&R's or an HOA in our neighborhood.

After a few trips in it, we had an issue with the dreaded auto-park brake getting stuck on. It's been complicated to remedy but we are trying. We have one neighbor harassing us almost since day 1 who told us she would do whatever she has to do to "get that ugly piece of [Moderator Edit]" out of this neighborhood." We have told her over & over we don't plan to keep it here, & we're trying to get it unstuck so we can use it AND store it elsewhere.

Low & behold we received a citation the other day. I feel AWFUL because I know it was her reporting US, but our entire neighborhood was affected, with many people getting tickets, most of whom have lived here 30+ years without incident.

The Motorhome has an appt with an electrician in 2 days but until then it's had to be here. We and many of our neighbors are meeting with the code enforcement officer tomorrow & the neighborhood is circulating a petition. It's become this huge ordeal in less than 3 weeks of us having this vehicle here. I'm so embarrassed & frustrated.

The part I don't understand is that I looked up the code we were cited for violating, and it says:
"Parking in setbacks is prohibited. Cease and desist parking any type of automobile, recreational vehicle or trailer on any portion of a required yard area; or, within a required front, back or side-yard setback; or, on any unimproved parking surface."

But we are parked on our own paved driveway which extends from our two-car attached garage. So, does setback mean driveway? And if so, you can't even park an automobile on it? Anyone have any knowledge of what I'm misunderstanding about it?

CampinGirl
A driveway is not a setback.

"Set back" is a land use term often used to describe the distance in feet from the street, or a from a property line, that must remain open.....(free of vehicles and structures).

"Land use", (and therefore "set backs") are most often in-acted. regulated, and enforced by the zoning authority of the community, (city, township or county) in which the land is located.

Mel
'96 Safari

[Dutch Star Don]

"CampinGirl".....You're too kind....sometimes there can be one neighbor who can just be a terror. If it were me, I would pull out my old bicycle, pedal it down the sidewalk and run smack into the side of the car that is blocking the sidewalk. Then I would tell her that your attorney will be calling her about blocking the sidewalk. She's a hypocrite!

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

"CampinGirl".....You're too kind....sometimes there can be one neighbor who can just be a terror. If it were me, I would pull out my old bicycle, pedal it down the sidewalk and run smack into the side of the car that is blocking the sidewalk. Then I would tell her that your attorney will be calling her about blocking the sidewalk. She's a hypocrite!

The OP's problem is the the municipal code which states "Parking in setbacks is prohibited"...(not that hypocritical neighbor).

Hopefully working with the other neighbors and the municipality she can get that requirement changed.... (if not the coach will have to be parked elsewhere).

Mel
'96 Safari

[timetogo]

Can you park on the street?

[George Schweikle]

CampinGirl,

Such disputes over RV parking occur all over the country. I'm pretty sure FMCA and/or Good Sam Club have been involved with municipal restrictions of RV parking, and have examples of "Model" ordinance proposals that accommodate such parking. You may want to join one of the clubs to access their material before petitioning the city. You might even find a local club chapter.

[plasma800]

[tmielke]

Originally Posted by mel s

CampinGirl
A driveway is not a setback.

"Set back" is a land use term often used to describe the distance in feet from the street, or a from a property line, that must remain open.....(free of vehicles and structures).

"Land use", (and therefore "set backs") are most often in-acted. regulated, and enforced by the zoning authority of the community, (city, township or county) in which the land is located.

Mel
'96 Safari

Mel nailed it. I used to be on a township planning commission and have a good working knowledge of zoning. Sent you a PM.

Don't be sure that all enforcement officers know their local ordinances. I was sent a letter by our zoning administrator that I was in violation of the nuisance ordnance, I was not. I was in violation of another ordinance, brought that to the ZA's attention. He said he would leave me alone. I eventually became compliant when I sold a vehicle that didn't run.