HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondencePage 1 of 1
Matt Robinson - NO AGAINST RV ORDINANCE CHANGES
From: Christopher Startz <startz.christopher@yahoo.com>
To: "bcowell@cstx.gov" <bcowell@estx.gov>, "druesink@cstx.gov" <druesink@cst...
Date: - 1/26/2012 11:15 AM
Subject: NO AGAINST RV ORDINANCE CHANGES
College Station City Council,
I have lived in College Station for the past 12 years my wife and I moved here from a small town in
rural south Texas to attend college at TAMU. At the time we finished college we chose to stay here and
found great jobs locally. We love the convenience of the stores you would find in a large city but in a
medium sized town minus the traffic and crime.
Our taxes are paid promptly and our home is neatly kept also. Last summer we decided to purchase a 18
year old used ski boat because that was all we could afford to be able to have some family fun time
together. Our boat is also very neat and it is parked in OUR driveway with a boat cover on it to protect
it from the elements. We also park OUR vehicles that we bought and paid for in OUR driveway. No
welfare subsidies here, did I forget to add that we OWN it didn't think so.
I also want to throw in that all of this is done at OUR home that we purchased and are paying for so
quite frankly you have no right to tell me that as long as everything is neatly kept I cannot park whatever
I want to park within the confines of my own property line and in my driveway provided it is not in the
middle of the front yard. There is something wrong in AMERICA when the government be it local state
or federal begins to overstep their lines. When the government local level at this point begins dictating
what I may and may not park in my own driveway there is something fundamentally wrong. YOU
STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE FENCE AND DON'T INTERFERE WITH MY LIFE AND I WILL
DO THE SAME. HOWEVER, NOW YOU ARE STEPPING OVER YOUR FENCE INTO MY SIDE
AND TELLING ME WHAT TO DO THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THAT.
At this point in time due to financial constraints should this ordinance be changed we will be forced to
sell our boat simply because we do not have the extra funds to pay between 125 and 200 dollars extra
out of our paychecks each month to get it stored somewhere. I'm sure being in government positions
you come from well off backgrounds or are blessed with malting a six figure income at better jobs than
my wife and I have. This places you in the position of not being faced with the financial constraints that
most of us working stiffs down here in the real world have to deal with. We are barely getting by as it is
once the bill's are paid there is not much extra. Groceries, gas, childcare and health insurance the list
goes on is rising steadily and our weekly paychecks are not peeping up with the rate everything else
keeps going up.
Please try to step back and look at this from our standpoint our boat is the one thing we can get out of
town and go have some family fun with here and there during the summer. As mentioned earlier in this
letter we just can't afford more money out of our pockets to have it stored somewhere and will therefore
be forced to sell the one thing we can afford to go have fun with as a family. It is not right that a
government entity can take that from my family.
Thank You
Chris and Victoria Startz
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Page 1 of 1
Matt Robinson - Recreational Equipment Ordinance Changes
From: "S Gossett" <gossett@suddenlink.net>
To: <nberry@cstx.gov>, <bbrick@cstx.gov>, <ifields@cstx.gov>, <kmoonet@cstx....
Date: 1/26/2012 10:52 AM
Subject: Recreational Equipment Ordinance Changes
To College Station City Council
I am writing you to urge you to vote against the ordinance changes regarding recreational
vehicles. In these economic times it makes no sense to pass a law that requires people to
spend huge sums of money for either renting a storage spot or modifying their property.
Many homes have too narrow a side yard to accomodate a driveway. Others have
landscaping that will have to be removed or altered at best. Personally, I have a large live oak
tree that blocks vehicle access to the side of my house.
Many neighborhoods were built using chain link fencing. In order to create a "screen" those
fences will have to be replaced with wooden fences. Then just how tall will those fences have
to be to "screen" the RV?
So my question is Why is this change necessary? What public good (ie,saftey) is to be
acheived? This is like a tax on all RV owners to be collected by contractors, or storage
facilities or the city by way of fines.
I suspect this is a very large loop being thrown to mask a much smaller concern. Why not
address that concern head on instead of including everyone you can think of.
Vote no to this proposition.
Steve Gossett
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(2/712012) Matt Robinson - Agenda Ite 4, Changes to the Page
From: Andi Pennell <andi.pennell@gmail.com>
To: <nberry@cslx.gov>, <bbrick@cstx.gov>, <jfields@cstx.gov>, <kmooney@cstx....
Date: 1/26/2012 8:55 AM -
Subject: Agenda Item 4, Changes to the
I am writing to say that I do not support the proposition to change
the traffic code to prohibit the parking of recreational vehicles on
driveways or yards in the front of a person's propertpty.
10 years ago my husband and I chose to buy a home in College Station.
We chose College Station over Bryan as we liked the schools and the
neighborhoods better. We intentionally did not buy in a neighborhood
with covenants or a homeowner's association. We looked at many houses
in many neighborhoods before we chose the one where we now live. We
appreciate the diversity of homes on our area and that our neighbors
all seem to take pride in having well maintained homes, yards, and
vehicles or recreational vehicles on their properties.
We also recently purchased a tent trailer. We currently park it in our
driveway. We chose to do so as we do not feel that we can afford
storage fees for a trailer at this time. We also chose to park it in
our driveway rather than our backyard because we do not wish to tear
up our backyard. We do not have rear access to our yard, we have a
creek right behind our back fence. We can only access our back yard
through the front of our property, across the main part of our front
lawn, and moving a trailer over the yard has the potential to destroy
our grass. We are planning to use our trailer often this spring and
summer in local and state campgrounds. If we had to move our trailer
through the yard even twice a month (once to take it out and once to
put it up) we fear that our yard will be destroyed and become
unsightly.
I do agree that parking a recreational vehicle on the public street
for an extended time is a problem, but I do not feel that the same
vehicle is a a problem if it is off the street, as it would be in a
yard or a driveway, and does not impede public access to the street.
Earlier this week I made a special note of homes with recreational
vehicles in front of them as I drove through the neighborhoods on my
way to work. I was surprised to note that I passed several, and that
none were distracting or an eyesore in their respective properties.
All were stored neatly in a driveway, or next to a driveway, just as
one would park a car in the driveway.
I understand that there are people who do not want to see any
vehicles, much less a recreational vehicle, parked outside their home
or that of their neighbors. Luckily, for those who feel that way,
there are neighborhoods in College Station that have restrictive
covenants and homeowner associations. Many of the rest of us prefer
fewer rules, more personal freedom, and trust out neighbors to respect
those rights as well as showing pride in property ownership.
Thank you for your time.
Andrea "Audi" Scott
1103 Haley Place
College Station, TX
Page 1 of I
Matt Robinson - RV ordnance
From: Phillip Reedy <b-csphil@hotmail.com>
To: <nberry@cstx.gov>, <bbrick@cstx.gov>, <jfields@cstx.gov>, <kmooney@cstx....
Date: 1/25/2012 8:45 PM
Subject: RV ordnance
Hello College Station council members,
A few minutes ago, I read that the C.S. city council will be voting on an ordance that will restrict the parking of
recreational vehicles (RV's) at the homes of C.S. residents. Since not everyone has a motorhome, and because the
people who usually want this type of ordnance don't have motorhomes either, I wanted to provide some
information that the council should be aware of. But first let me state that I live in Williams Creek and am therefore
excluded from this possible ordnance. I also store my motorhome at the Lock & Roll storage site next to the Sam's
Club. Even though this possible ordance would not affect me, I still feel that the council needs to know the
following.
Before going on a trip with a motorhome, the owner will plug it into A/C power a day or two before departure in
order to cool the refridgerator, and also to ensure that all of the numerous systems are operational. Certainly the
72 hour limit is to provide for this. However, the RV owner also needs time to unload the RV upon their return as
well. There is also the need for maintenance, the level of which is substantially more than a regular automobile.
All of this takes time. Not a tremendous amount of time, but it usually adds up to two and sometimes even three
days in addition to the time of the actual voyage.
With the exception of the hottest months of the year, we use our small motorhome very frequently. During the
cooler months, we will use the RV for many weekends in a row (we have used it every weekend this month). When
we add the amount of days spent in both pre -departure and post -arrival maintenance/loading/unloading, it can add
up to many more hours than just 72 in one month. We pick up our RV on Friday, use it over the weekend, and
return it Monday after we get home from work. As you can see, this can add up to more than 72 hours per month.
If you are going to pass a law that states a maximum amount of hours, I think that - at minimum - some latitude
and consideration should be given to people who frequently use their RV's. I have heard of places that allow a
certain number of hours or days in both in front and behind an RV voyage, which will take into account the needs of
people who frequently use their RV's for a number of trips per month. Please reconsider how this possible
ordnance is written, so that it will be fair to all RV owners.
Lastly, I have to say that I am saddened that the city council would even be concerned about what people do in the
privacy of their own homes/yards/driveways, especially when it concerns something that is hardly widespread at
all. I live in College Station and do spend some time here as well, and I have seen no place that is overrun with
recreational vehicles. Please retain some common sense, and use your time and efforts on items that are of
importance to all of the citizens of College Station, and not to just a select few who do not like what other people
own. Parking an RV on one's own property hurts no one, but passing laws based purely on a personal dislike is a
slippery slope that no elected official should embark upon.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 979-492-6294.
regards,
Phillip A. Reedy, PA
Marie Reedy, OT-R, Major USAF (retired)
2005 Moses Creek Court
College Station, TX 77845
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Page 1 of 1
Matt Robinson - Recreational vehicle parking
From: James Manhart <manhart@bio.tamu.edu>
To: "nberry@cstx.gov" <nberry@cstx.gov>, "bbrick@cstx.gov" <bbrick@cstx.gov>
Date: 1/25/2012 7:16 PM
Subject: Recreational vehicle parking
The purpose of this email is to express my opposition to the majority of the points in the proposed ordinance on
recreational vehicle parking. I agree that parking of any trailer, recreational or otherwise, should not be allowed
on the street or in yards. However, I do not agree that these should not be allowed to park in driveways. Most
homeowners in College Station do not have the ability to park anything in the back yard so they will have to store
their boats, RVs, etc. in commercial storage. I don't see that many RV's parked in driveways in any case and the
ones I have seen are in good condition. It seems to me that banning RV's in driveways is a solution in search of
a problem. I assume this ordinance is the result of the complaints of one or a very small number of individuals
who object to seeing RVs in someone else's driveway. What's next? No parking of cars in driveways?
Sincerely,
Jim Manhart
2910 Pueblo Court
College Station
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Matt Robinson - Fwd: recreational equipment owners meeting
From:
Angela Juarez <resaleandmore@gmail.com>
To:
<bcowell(acstx.gov>
Date:
1/25/2012 6:25 PM
Subject:
Fwd: recreational equipment owners meeting
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Angela Juarez <resaleandmore(2gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 6:23 PM
Subject: Fwd: recreational equipment owners meeting
To: druesink@cstx.gov
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Angela Juarez <resaleandmore&gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 6:23 PM
Subject: Fwd: recreational equipment owners meeting
To: ischultz n,ci stx.eov
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Angela Juarez <resaleandmore a gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 6:22 PM
Subject: Fwd: recreational equipment owners meeting
To: klylesgestx.gov
---------- Forwarded message -=--------
From: Angela Juarez <resaleandmore a gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 6:22 PM
Subject: Fwd: recreational equipment owners meeting
To: kmooneyna,cstx.gov
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Angela Juarez <resaleandmore a gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 6:21 PM
Subject: Fwd: recreational equipment owners meeting
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Page 2 of 2
To: ifieldsgcstx.gov
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Angela Juarez <resaleandmore a gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 25 2012 at 6:17 PM
Subject: Fwd: recreational equipment owners meeting
To: bbrick@cstx.gov
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Angela Juarez <resaleandmoreggmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 6:05 PM
Subject: recreational equipment owners meeting
To: nbeiry a,cstx.gov
To all College Station Board Members,
I would like The City of College Station to find other ways to make money that they need rather than
take from honest citizens who are breaking no laws.
We as property owners should be allowed to park whatever we want on our own property, as long as it
does not interfere with neighbors. We pay alot of taxes
to live in College Station and this is very unfair for the city to even consider. I will not vote for anyone
in a refection who supports this ordinance change and will
support anyone who runs against them. This is the reason many citizens do not want to live in town.
Ridicilious laws to make the city more money that goes in the
pockets of those who vote for it.
Angela Juarez
2909 Pueblo Court
College Station, Texas 77845
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Matt Robinson - Reacreational Vehicle Ordinance Change
From: M A <yamaha.r6racer@live.com>
To: <nberry@cstx.gov>, <bbrick@cstx.gov>, <jfields@cstx.gov>, <kmooney@cstx...
Date: 1/25/2012 4:38 PM
Subject: Reacreational Vehicle Ordinance Change
To whom it may concern,
Hello, my name is Micah Amos. I have been a resident of College Station for almost 5 years now, living in the first
and only home I have purchased. When I purchased my home, I was single, living by myself. Sense then, I have
gotten engaged and have taken on her 2 kids. We live in a 3 bedroom, 1 bath home. We purchased our
motorhome over a year ago as a vacation tool, and it also works great for guest living during holidays as well as
our second bathroom. We just can't find it in our budget, nor can we justify paying $200 a month in RV storage. I
understand that you all strive to make College Station a great place to live, but I can promise that an RV on
someone's lot is far from the worst thing that can be seen. I live behind Holleman Dr, and the new apartments
look directly into my backyard. That is not a nice sight driving by and/or living behind. I know one person's voice
isn't enough to make a difference, but I hope that you will read this and find it in your heart to dismiss this
ordinance change.
Please reply with any status updates of the ordinance.
Thank you.
Micah Amos
213B Richards St.
College Station, Tx 77840
vamaha. r6racer(& live.com
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Matt Robinson - Opposition to proposed Ordinance regarding parking of recreational vehicles
From: Kathryn Knotts <KKnotts@carlsonattorneys.com>
To: "'nberry@cstx.gov"' <nberry@cstx.gov>, "'bbrick@cstx.gov"' <bbrick@cstx....
Date: 1/25/2012 3:49 PM
Subject: Opposition to proposed Ordinance regarding parking of recreational vehicles
Dear City Council Member:
My husband and I would like to voice our objection to the proposed changes to the city ordinance regarding
parking of vehicles, specifically recreational vehicles. As a boat owner, this ordinance would directly and
negatively impact us. We understand the city seeks to enact ordinances that will ensure neighborhoods are
maintained in a manner that does not negatively impact property values or the safety of its citizens. It is our
opinion that the proposed ordinance does not achieve such goal, but merely forces citizens owning recreational
vehicles to incur significant expenses for alternative storage methods or to build structures to comply with the
proposed ordinance. A recreational vehicle parked in a driveway is no different than a truck, car or SUV parked
in a driveway. A parked recreational vehicle does not cause an obstruction to traffic and does not inherently
cause a neighborhood to appear neglected. Therefore, we urge each city council member to reject the
proposed ordinance changes regarding the parking of recreational vehicles. If you have any questions, please
contact us at (903) 875-4464.
Sincerely,
Bryan and Kathryn Knotts
1821 Langford
College Station, Texas 77840
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Matt Robinson - Rv ordinance
From: <tommystubblefield@yahoo.com>
Date: 1/25/2012 11:19 AM
Subject: Rv ordinance
CC: "nberry@cstx.gov" <nberry@cstx.gov>, "bbrick@estx.gov" <bbrick@estx.gov>...
Hello,
I'm writing because I understand you are considering changing the City Ordinance making
it unlawful to park recreational vehicles in a driveway. I completely disagree with this
change, we should be able to put our own vehicles in our own driveway, I'm a taxpaying
homeowner. I understand the need for controlling how our CS homes should look and I
would not want junk vehicles in my neighbor's driveways or lawns, but I know there already
is an ordinance already in existence prohibiting this. Also, as a member of the middle class I
cannot afford to pay for storage. We don't have tons of money to go out and do much, but
camping, boating and fishing are within our means. You are threatening to take away one of
our few activities, which will be devastating to my 8 year old son. Anywayif anyone objects
to these rvs being in our own driveway there are plenty of BCS subdivisions with HOAs
that don't allow rvs in the driveway according to their bylaws. In conclusion, i feel it is
unfair that you should change the ordinance and I strongly disagree with it.
Sincerely,
Tommy Stubblefield
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Matt Robinson - law change for ry parking
From: Deana Totzke <deana@ece.tamu.edu>
To: "nberry(acstx.gov" <nberry@acstx.gov>, "bbrick@cstx.gov" <bbrick@estx.gov>...
Date: 1/25/2012 10:47 AM
Subject: law change for iv parking
Hello,
I'm writing in concern of your upcoming council meeting where you are considering changing the City Ordinance
making it unlawful to park recreational vehicles in a driveway. First of all, I think it's ridiculous that you should
dictate what we should be able to put in our own driveway. I'm a homeowner and I pay all my taxes (which are
bad enough as it is). I understand the need for controlling how our CS homes should look and I would not want
my neighbors detracting from my own home's value by having junk vehicles or recreational vehicles littering
their driveways or lawns, however I know there already is an ordinance already in existence prohibiting this. If
the vehicle is working I don't have a problem with it.
Second of all, do you know what the cost of storing an ry is? As a middle class family in College Station I do not
have the extra money to pay for this storage. Maybe you're getting kickbacks from these storage places? Maybe
you just want to drive all law abiding middle class families to live in Bryan?
Third, there are numerous subdivisions in Bryan -College Station with HOAs that don't allow rvs in the driveway
according to their bylaws. If anyone objects to a working ry parked in a neighbor's driveway, they're more than
welcome to move to one of these subdivisions.
In conclusion, it is both unfair and unreasonable that you should suggest changing the ordinance and I strongly
disagree with it.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Citizen
Deana Totzke'94
Communications Specialist
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Texas A&M University
College Station. TX 77843-3128
(979)845-0575
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Matt Robinson - council meeting
From: "Goldapp" <karlg@suddenlinlc.net>
To: "Bob Cowell" <Bcowell@cstx.gov>
Date: 1/24/2012 2:39 PM
Subject: council meeting
Mr. Cowell,
I have been made aware that recreational vehicle parking is on the city council agenda for
Thursday evening. After looking on the city website, I discovered that a meeting was already
held with HOA's and NA's to discuss the matter. I live in Southwood Valley and although we
have a neighborhood association. It is nonfunctioning so no information went out about the first
meeting.
As I am unable to attend the council meeting on Thursday evening, I would like to express
some thoughts and opinions.
My husband and I moved to College Station in 1978. We decided to buy in Southwood Valley
because there was NO homeowner's association to tell us that we can not have our RV in our
d riveway.
We met city code at that time by putting in a $2000 cement slab for our motor home.
Our home is situated in the center of our lot, so we can not move our RV back and put a fence
around it.
Our neighborhood has started seeing more retirees moving in and we feel the option of having
your RV at your home is a plus. More retirees mean less student renters.
Instead of the city treating each neighborhood the same, the HOA's and NA's can
petition the city for RV parking change in their area after consulting the people in their
neighborhood. For example, Dove Crossing being able to limit parking to one side of the
street fits their needs. Each neighborhood is different and needs to be treated as such.
Our home and yard are an asset to our neighborhood as we maintain both in excellent
condition and do not feel that having an RV parked in the driveway detracts from that at all.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sandra Goldapp
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Matt Robinson - Recreational Vehicle Ordinance Changes
From: "Charles Solvason" <solvacc@gmail.com>
To: <nbeiTy@cstx.gov>, <bbrick@cstx.gov>, <jfields@cstx.gov>, <kmooney@cstx....
Date: 1/26/2012 12:57 PM
Subject: Recreational Vehicle Ordinance Changes
Good Day.
As a resident of College Station, I was shocked and appalled to learn of the City Council's recent proposal to ban
recreational vehicles from driveways throughout the city. This issue is clearly better left to local Homeowner's
Associations. Preventing recreational vehicles from being parked on homeowners property will force many of us
to simply leave the community. The physical dimensions of today's garages prevent these vehicles from being
parked inside. I know, because I've been looking for a new home and have noticed how builder's in our
community have been shrinking the size of the garage to save money. What's more, they've also been
shrinking the width of lots, which prevents owner's from accessing the side or back yards for storage. I cannot
speak for everyone, but I will ensure you that the removal of the recreational vehicle exceptions from the city
ordinances will force my family to leave the community. Please leave these regulations to the various
homeowner' associations which will allow flexibility to accommodate families like mine. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Charles Solvason
Bryan Research & Engineering
Ms. Lisa Solvason
Gensler Architecture & Design
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Matt Robinson - Do not make it illegal to park recreational vehicles in driveway
From: Arthur Hicks <familyhicks@hotmail.com>
To: <nberry@cstx.gov>, <bbrick@cstx.gov>, <jfields@cstx.gov>, <kmooney@cstx....
Date: 1/26/2012 1:31 PM
Subject: Do not make it illegal to park recreational vehicles in driveway
I do not support not the law that will make it illegal to park ones recreational vehicle in their driveway. I can't
fathom which one of you came up with this law, except someone who is offended by anything a neighbor might
do. Are you going to start picking the colors someone paints the trim of their house? How about if they have
tacky furniture, is that what is next? What if a neighbor drives an old car and parks it in the driveway? Whoa!
Might make your property values go down, huh? This law is a classical example of the government's tendency to
be overreaching and forgetting that actual purpose of government is not to control personal rights of ownership.
Sincerely,
Leslie Hicks
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(2/7/2012) Matt Robinson RV parking 'finance Page 1
From:
Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu>
To:
"Brooks, Bob" <bob@tamu.edu>
Date:
1/24/2012 9:39 AM
Subject:
RV parking ordinance
Please vote AGAINST The proposed city ordinance to make it illegal to
park your RV on your residential property I
Many of us cannot afford monthly storage fees. This ordinance would
force us to sell our cherished RVs.
Vote against the ordinance on Jan. 26 1
Bob Brooks
IT Team Leader
bob@tamu.edu
http://ops.tamu.edu/bob
\0
\=i
AAAAAA.A An OAAAAAAAAAA
Some people try to turn back their odometers.
Not me! I want people to know "why" I look this way.
I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
Page 1 of I
Matt Robinson - Proposed recreational vehicle parking ordinance
From: <bg79@aol.com>
To: <nbeily@cstx.gov>, <bbrick@cstx.gov>, <jfields@cstx.gov>, <kmooney@cstx....
Date: 1/23/2012 1:13 PM
Subject: Proposed recreational vehicle parking ordinance
I received a flyer this weekend informing me that my right to park my trailered boat in my driveway was possibly
about to become illegal. Council has already intruded on property owners rights to the point that people have
paved their entire front yards to create "legal" parking areas for cars. Now boats and RVs appear to be the
boogeymen. I stopped by city hall because I could not believe the "flyer". I thought someone was trying to stir up
something. Alarmingly, I found out it was true. I own a $20,000 boat that will not fit in my garage. It is covered
and sits on my driveway unobtrusively. I cannot put it in my fenced side yard due to 2 foot diameter trees that are
in the way. Storage is $600-$1200/year. If this ordinance passes, there is not enough public storage available in
town to accomodate all of the vehicles and trailers. Many of them are at or close to capacity now. I don't deny
that council has the right to regulate "eyesores". This should be done selectively. We cannot even get the
hoarders to comply with code. This is a ridiculous intrusion on my property rights and I am insulted that council
would consider exercising this kind of control over MY property. The ordinance says that "parking on driveways
or paved parking areas or areas screened from public view by fencing is permitted." Please understand I will
erect the gaudiest, most garish fence around my boat that I can legally create if this passes (a nice loophole).
Please vote no on the proposed ordinance.
Thank you,
Michael Paulus
2906 Arroyo Ct.
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RobinsonMatt on.
From: Molly Elliott <mollypaul@yahoo.com>
To: "nberry*, stx.gov" <nberry@cstx.gov>
Date: 1/22/2012 8:57 PM
Subject: Recreational Vehicle Ordinances
I just found a notice taped to our pickup regarding a proposed change to the city ordinance making it
illegal to park our camper in our driveway. What do we own property for if we can't park our vehicles?
As long as we're not causing some sort of traffic safety hazard or interfering with our neighbors, we
should be able to park any kind of RV on our property.
When someone buys a home, especially in an area without a Home Owner's Association/HOA (such as
we live in), one would reasonably expect to be able to do what they wish with their own
property. Reasonable means being able to park the RV we worked long and hard for, in our own yard.
Anti -RV people maybe should look into living somewhere WITH neighborhood covenants. That
way they can gripe all they want to the HOA about what the neighbors are doing. While they're at it,
might as well pick a gated community so all non -homeowners can be kept out. I'm sure that there are
even fewer handouts available in some of the master planned suburbs.
Regulation is the wrong place for these restrictions. They belong in property restrictions that are part of
the property deed. When subdivisions are formed, the initial owners can sell the property with deed
restrictions that remain permanently. If one does not want the restrictions, one doesn't buy the property.
Zoning restrictions imposed after the fact are like the new regulations and are unequitable to the current
owner.
Its not really fair to start complaining about and chasing away law-abiding citizens. We pay fairly hefty
property taxes to live in College Station. Our camper fits comfortably on our property's driveway with
room to spare away from the street, it's not an eyesore, it's not a safety hazard or blocking anybody's
view of anything. NONE of our neighbors have complained about it to us. It's difficult to see how an
expensive camper parked in a driveway is an intolerable blot on the landscape.
As a point of information, the house next door to ours has sold at least four times in the 21 years we've
lived there, each time without any drop in value and with the camper in plain view for the last three of
those sales. If any of you on the city council have received a complaint about our camper, we'd
appreciate it if you'd document it for us.
Our fifth -wheel is registered with the county; we paid taxes to buy it, taxes to license it, and pay to park
it when traveling. We keep it in our driveway to save a lot of money on storage. If the city is serious
about a ban on keeping personal property on personal property, they should also provide secure storage
for those residents affected by the ban free of charge. While recreational vehicle owners do have a
responsibility in keeping their neighborhoods presentable, the city has a responsibility to its residents to
provide reasonable alternatives for restrictions placed on private property.
Perhaps you might consider what other communities do:
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Lantana, Florida: No screening is required. RVs must be parked on a paved surface anywhere on the
resident's lot.
Boynton Beach, Florida: No screening required. RVs can be stored in a carport, driveway, or back yard,
not closer than five feet from the lot -line or in the side yard not projecting beyond the front roof line.
Royal Palm Beach, Florida: No screening is required. RVs can be stored on the driveway or side of
property. Boats parked on the sides of corner lots must be on pavement.
Barrie, Ontario: It is permissible to park an RV, boat, etc. on your property providing it fits within the
driveway, is not located on the grass, and no one can live in it.
Maybe you should be more concerned about enforcement of ordinances already on the books, such as
how many vehicles can be regularly parked at a property, noisy dogs barking incessantly, people
running commercial businesses out of residential properties, how many unrelated adults can share an
abode or entire streets that are becoming blighted because they've become house after house of rentals
instead of owner -occupied family homes.
It is our hope and desire that you vote "no" on these proposed ordinances.
With respect,
Paul and Molly Elliott
2917 Pueblo Court
College Station, Texas 77845
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(1/23/2012) Matt Robinson - RV F ing Code Amendment Pagel I
From: Lisa Lavender <lisa.m.lavender@gmail.com>
To: <mrobinson@cstx.gov>
Date: 1/10/2012 3:40 PM
Subject: RV Parking Code Amendment
Mr Robinson,
I have concerns about the proposed changes to the RV parking ordinances.
Do you really think 72 hours of driveway parking in a 30 day period is
going to work for your residents with RV's? I don't!
We typically bring our RV from storage to prepare and load it for a
trip. One of the things that has to be done is plug it in and turn
the refrigerator on so that it will begin cooling.
It takes approximately 24 to 48 hours for the refrigerator to get
sufficiently cooled before we can load any food requiring
refrigeration.
72 hours - Really? Please reconsider.
Sincerely,
Lisa Lavender