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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCLD-017-07 B ,ClWillgton REPORT CLERK'S DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: Monday, May 7, 2007 Report #: CLD-O 17 -07 File #: <?~o\J1~~PA-3i\-3-01 By-law #: Subject: PARKING OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CLD-017-07 be received; 2. THAT Council confirm that this review is for all recreational vehicles and campers; 3. THAT Staff be authorized to proceed with further research and undertake a Zoning By-law amendment to provide for regulations for the parking of Recreational vehicles on residential property. Reviewed b.fj~_~ Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer PLB/LDC CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-0830 REPORT NO.: CLD-017-07 PAGE 2 1. BACKGROUND At the Feb 5, 2007 General Purpose and Administration meeting, the Committee passed Resolution GPA-1 01-07. The Resolution required, "That staff investigate and report to Committee concerning the parking of recreational vehicles on residential properties." This resolution came about as a result of complaints concerning recreational vehicles on private residential properties. There are no regulatory by-laws in place to address this issue. Currently, staff's ability to deal with these matters is limited to the restrictions set out in Clarington's Zoning By-law 84-63. 2. SCOPE OF ISSUES In preparing this report, staff met with the original mover of the resolution to determine the extent of the concern. It was suggested that staff consider regulating ALL Recreational Vehicles, Campers, Trailers, Motor Homes as well as Seasonal and Off Road Vehicles and prohibit them from being parked in the driveways and possibly on private properties all together. Staff surveyed 19 municipalities across Ontario. Most have provisions dealing with the issue of owners parking their vehicles on their own property and what is and is not allowed. None of the Municipalities surveyed dealt with the matter in a stand alone regulatory by-law. In all cases the restrictions are found in the local zoning by-laws. 3. CURRENT REGULATIONS The Municipality of Clarington Zoning By-law 84-63, as amended, states: "Parking spaces and areas required (driveways) in accordance with this By-law shall be used for the parking of operative, currently licensed vehicles only, and for vehicles used in operations incidental to the permitted uses in respect of which such parking spaces and areas are required or permitted." REPORT NO.: CLD-017-07 PAGE 3 The Zoning By-law further states: "Notwithstanding the forgoing within any Residential Zone, the owner or occupant of a dwelling unit may use a parking space for the purposes of the parking or storage of one commercial motor vehicle, as defined under the Highway Traffic Act, as amended, provided that the gross vehicle weight, at capacity, does not exceed four (4) tonnes." These provisions would not be viewed as restricting a homeowner from using their driveway for parking a recreational vehicle or trailer. While new zoning restrictions may correct future problems, they will not be able to address current issues. Properties currently possessing these vehicles would have legal non-conforming status. Opportunities to park or store these vehicles are often limited on the subject properties and any restriction will require an increase in available off-site locations. 4. PROPOSED ACTION Staff are seeking authorization to further research the matter and hold a Public Meeting as is required in the case of any Zoning By-Iawamendment. At that time staff will present its findings along with the results of research into the restrictions and controls available in other municipalities. This matter has been discussed with the Planning Services Department, who concur with a Zoning By-law amendment process.