Planning And Zoning Looks Into RV Ordinance
Oskaloosa City Council member Aaron Ver Steeg addresses the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Planning and Zoning Commission isn’t one of those community committees that usually draws a large crowd, but that is exactly what happened on Monday afternoon.
During a recent city council meeting, the issue of RV’s and similar types of recreational vehicles, like boats and trailers, came to council’s attention. The full city council then moved to have the subject sent to the planning and zoning commission for further review of the present ordinance. Link to the city code section – HERE
Some concerns by RV owners lead to discussion on the social media site Facebook, and those concerned found their way to the meeting to have those concerns voiced.
The current code requires that RV’s be parked on a hard surface with restrictions placed on the size of the RV, those being no more than 25 foot in length and no more than 8 feet in height.
Pella is the closest to Oskaloosa in regards to the current ordinance, with the exception being that in Pella they allow the use of stone for the parking area for RV’s. Other communities have no restriction in height or length, but include the requirement for concrete surface for parking the RV.
Oskaloosa City Staff made the recommendation to the committee to leave the ordinance as it currently is.
Oskaloosa City Council member Aaron Ver Steeg used the comment section of the evening to address the committee. After reading the code, Ver Steeg had concern about how it would impact owners of campers and boats that are over 25 foot in length, and 8 feet in height, having to be in a building. “If you own a truck or you drive a dump truck for a living, you can’t park it in front of your house at night,” said Ver Steeg. “I think the whole code needs to be reviewed and probably re-written.”
While the code is being reviewed, Oskaloosa City Manager Michael Schrock said that fines will not be issued as related.
A work session is scheduled for June 24th, with Planning and Zoning Commission holding their regular meeting on July 8th, with their recommendation to the city council.
