RV parked in a driveway obstructing sidewalk access. Photo courtesy of City of Sarnia presentation for June 22, 2015.RV parked in a driveway obstructing sidewalk access. Photo courtesy of City of Sarnia presentation for June 22, 2015.
Sarnia

Open Storage of RV's, Boats, and Trailers will be Discussed In September Public Meeting

The City of Sarnia will be publicly discussing by-law changes regarding the open storage of RV's, trailers, and boats in the fall.

Last year, city council received a request to amend the by-law and allow for the open storage of vehicles during the camping months of May to October.

Currently, many urban residents are allowed to store a maximum of two vehicles in their side or rear yards provided they meet the required setbacks.

However, temporary storage on driveways or lawns is not allowed. The concern is that residents cannot maintain their vehicles or prepare for their journeys under the current by-law.

Director of Planning and Building Jane Cooper says they're already flexible with the complaints they receive.

Cooper says opening this door could cause problems.

"I don't think I want to recommend something that gives flexibility because flexibility then gets pushed," says Cooper who believes they're already flexible with the current by-law.

"If they're washing it out and cleaning it after a holiday and it's there for a weekend, okay it's not a problem. But if it's there three weeks and it has the mother-in-law in it, well then it's a different ball game."

Staff has recommended council does not support a five-month by-law amendment for the open storage of RV's, boats, and trailers during the summer months.

Their reasoning lies within safety issues such as blocking sidewalks and creating safety hazards, as well as visual aesthetic concerns.

Councillor Anne Marie Gillis says there is a demand to review the by-law and clearly state what residents can and can't do.

"That is a tradition. People do bring their vehicles to open them up and they bring them back to close them up," says Gillis during Monday's meeting. "I think we have to be aware and be mindful of that, and be sensitive to that."

Over the past three years, council has received 30-35 complaints each year about illegally stored vehicles in front lots. A total of 14 complaints have been received so far this year.

The public consultation meeting gets underway on September 14, 2015.

Map from council presentation outlining storage areas for RV's, boats, and trailers Map from council presentation outlining storage areas for RV's, boats, and trailers

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