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ed1's avatar
ed1
Explorer
Aug 29, 2014

Restrictions on RVs in Smithtown, NY

The Smithtown Board will be holding a hearing on September 9 to get public comments on a change to the town code which, according to Newsday, will prohibit the parking of RVs on residential streets, and to increase the maximum fines allowed.
The public hearing will be help at Town Hall, 99 Main Street, Smithtown, on September 9 at 2 PM.

The proposed local law #1-2014,amending local law #6-261984, Chapter 296 of the Town Code.

We don't have any details, but it's important for any Smithtown residents to attend or contact their elected representative.
  • Besides the obvious issues already stated such as restricting access for emergency vehicles and the like another issue is since the streets are public streets there is no way to ensure that even if on street parking was allowed that the RV would be parked in front of the owner's home. With on street parking of personal vehicles, people want to have their car conveniently located, so they park in front of their own home. An RV would be fundamentally different in that they would likely go long periods of time without using it. Therefore it wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience to park it in front of a house a few doors down, taking away that homeowner's access to nearby on street parking, as well as blocking their views. Restrictions allowing only residents to park on a public street has been litigated and ruled illegal. If parking on a public street is allowed, it is allowed for everyone, no special resident only exceptions can be created.
  • In-city taxes are high alright. But, I'm happy to be protected from RVs, trailers and trucks parking on the street. Strangely, I'm all for allowing home owners to park one RV in their backyard.
    Also, I'm in favor of street-parking restrictions such that a home owner can NOT street-park their vehicles on the section of street that is not in front and/or side of their own property.
  • 4x4van's avatar
    4x4van
    Explorer III
    In California, "on-street" parking is limited to 72 hours for ANY vehicle on ANY street or highway. And California cities can't restrict on-street parking for RV's unless they also restrict all other vehicles in the same manner. Cities that have tried, have been forced to rescind those efforts.

    According to the California State Attorney General, SAG Opinion 89-602:
    QUESTION:
    Does a California city have the authority to prohibit the parking of particular categories of vehicles, such as recreational vehicles or motor vehicles which exceed a specified length or width, on its residential streets during all or certain hours of the day?
    CONCLUSION:
    A California city has no authority to prohibit the parking of particular categories of vehicles on its residential streets during all or certain hours of the day, with the exception of commercial vehicles having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more.

    It would be worth investigating to see if there is a similar statute in the state of New York.

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