Downey eyes limitations on RV parking

Downey is considering its options to regulate RV parking on public streets. (Photo by Eric Pierce)

DOWNEY — The Downey City Council is poised to limit where and when oversized vehicles – including RV’s – can park on public and residential streets.

According to a report given by city prosecutor Jim Eckert, the city has received complaints about the parking of oversized vehicles, citing concerns of visibility, reduction of on street parking, decreased roadways, and public safety concerns.

The City Council was presented with several options, ranging from an outright ban, to overnight parking restrictions, to restricting areas where vehicles could park, to a permit program.

Downey already has laws in place to deal with some of the concerns, including a prohibition against sleeping in vehicles that are parked on a public street, and ordinances against illegal dumping.

While no final decision was made at Tuesday’s meeting, council members appeared to prefer a ban on overnight parking, while implementing a permit system for residents who still wish to utilize recreational vehicles.

“I think what we really want to avoid is to become a city where we have people living in their vehicles, and the excess of trash and potential criminal activity that that can result from,” said Councilwoman Claudia M. Frometa. “I know that in several of our neighborhoods that has been the case, and many of our residents have complained about that to our police. That is really a great concern.”

Mayor Blanca Pacheco voiced support for a crackdown in residential and commercial areas of the city, saying recreational vehicles could be “eyesores.”

“We constantly get complaints of recreational vehicles being parked off of Woodruff, I get complaints off of Gardendale,” said Pacheco.

Pacheco also voiced support for establishing a permit program.

“I agree with my council colleagues for allowing a permit program so that way – for out-of-town visitors – it’s temporary, and of course if people want to have their recreational vehicle for like an extended camping trip or something, or a weekend trip.”

Depending on what type of code the city moves forward with, certain vehicles - such as delivery vehicles and contractor vehicles - would be exempt but could still have limitations imposed on them.

Downey city staff will return to the council at a later date with a proposed ordinance for approval.