RV parking on the street

[Mr_D]

On Friday we headed out to our favorite RV campground. Stopped in Kalama WA to eat at a Chinese restaurant that we know has good food. My wife also works in Kalama. As per previous trips I pulled in across six parking spots on a side street next to a grocery store. The store owner was outside moving stock around. Locked rig up and started walking to the restaurant. Store owner came after us and complained about taking six of "HIS" parking spots. I told him we had done it before and there had been no problems. I also told him I thought it was a public street. He kind of backed off then so we went on and ate. Left in about 45 min at the most.
Today I called the Kalama police dept. and found that I was right, public street so not up to the store owner.
I should also add that we've stopped there maybe a dozen time over the last few years, only once was there even one car parked in that line. There are 8 spots along that street, one of which is a handicapped spot which I have never blocked even though the towed has handicapped license plates and I leave at least on spot open anyway.
Anyone else have this happen?

[Stovebolt-V8]

The store owner may not have any right to those parking spots but I'm sure it blocks the view of his store for anyone looking for it. If you have any other options for parking I would consider them. It's tough making a go of a small business, just something to consider A little goodwill goes a long way

[Mr_D]

The street is located along the side of the store, no signs or even windows on that side. The store has onstreet parking in front and off street in the back and I think a few on the opposite side. So parking on the street where we were blocks nothing, not even his signs.

[flaggship1]

Glad it worked out for you. Hope the heartburn passes soon. Those Kung Pao chilies repeat on me too.

[Walter5555]

We at home have the same problem, we have 3 vehicle we park one in the garage and the other two in our driveway.(we have a wide driveway).
The people next door have 4 vehicle they park one in the driveway and the other 3 are park at the curb and they extend over in front of our house at times.
The other side not so bad except, when people drop off or pickup their children they block our drive for 10 to 15 mints.
The only thing that bugs me is when the city street sweeper comes by he
can not get to our curb to clean it.(because of the cars that are parked their)
When I know the street sweeper will be coming by (every Thursday) I sweep the gutter my self and pile it up in front of my Driveway other wise it won't get clean. (mainly after the leaves fall).

Just a thought.

[Grimesy]

State law allows 72 hours in CA a little comon since and courtesy goes a long way.

Have a friend who was towed in Idaho as he unknowingly parked too close to the corner. Not only had to pay for the towing but got a ticket to boot and a remark from the Cop you people from California have a lot of money.

Don G.

[historyljc]

I'm sure the food isn't giving you heartburn, or you wouldn't have come back so many times. Don't let the grocer give you heartburn either. Next time ask him if he knows how to whistle "Dixie".

[Ed-Sommers]

Personally, as I assume there were painted lines to indicate parking spaces, and as how there are probably local regulations outlining the auto is to be inside said lines, I'd have found a more appropriate parking spot. But then, that's just me, and I generally try to observe law's, rules, and regulations as well a common good manners.

I do get testy at times!


Ed

[Wayne M]

It really all depends on how the police officer assesses the situation when he is called by the store owner. On a good day he may do nothing, but on an off day he may cite you for parking in to many paces and not inside the lines.

Oh well, hope you enjoyed the meal.

[DeWat]

This can be "jurisdictionally" dependent. In Washington, DC, it's no problem for the unmetered streets, just follow the previously mentioned 72-hour rule. Just across the line in Oxon Hill, MD, where the newly built Gaylord/National Harbor has been built (a very serious money making pit), not only do they cite you for parking over the lines, but their county assigned meter maids work 24/7, and think nothing of writing you at 3 in the morning. While I would have no problem telling someone laying claim to a public street to "step off", I would be more concerned about the potential sabotage once I leave the MH. So in those situations, I've always weighted the former against the latter.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Ed-Sommers

Personally, as I assume there were painted lines to indicate parking spaces, and as how there are probably local regulations outlining the auto is to be inside said lines, I'd have found a more appropriate parking spot. But then, that's just me, and I generally try to observe law's, rules, and regulations as well a common good manners.

I do get testy at times!


Ed

There were painted lines, no meters.
I DID call the local police department and was told no problem.
One spot at the end of the line is a handicapped spot and, even though my towed is licensed to use them I was not blocking it either.
Since I am deputized to write citations for handicapped parking violations I also try to follow the laws.

[Chuck 1935]

Very simple:
Mr. D was right. He was not in front of the store, hence, not blocking the view of the cranky store owner. The next time Mr D stops by SOME YUM GRUB for dinner the cranky store owner and his bad attitude will be looong gooone.

[firedoc]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Since I am deputized to write citations for handicapped parking violations I also try to follow the laws.

Many times. I have wished I could do that.

[Cat320]

Although it might be perfectly 'legal' I don't park across car parking places on the street...I go find a big lot and walk.