Costa Mesa continues reworking RV law

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- What started as a simple proposal to ban motor homes on

residential streets has turned into a complex process in which the

police, the City Council and the community have helped refine the

suggested law. Monday was no different as the council sent it back for

more tweaking.

Council members voted 3 to 2 to revisit the proposed placard system

and explore the possibility of allowing residents to apply for permits

over the Internet, increasing the number of permits allowed per year and

incorporating some sort of “extreme hardship” standard for motor home

owners who are an exception to the rules. Councilmen Gary Monahan and

Chris Steel were opposed.

“We started this as an attempt to keep it simple. What has come forth

is a confusing, difficult process,” said Monahan, who has consistently

voted against any increased effort to ban recreational vehicles.

On Jan. 7, the council postponed the formal adoption of an ordinance

that banned large vehicles from parking on residential streets, with a

24-hour exception for loading and unloading only. After hearing from

about 45 opponents, the City Council directed Costa Mesa Police Lt. Karl

Schuler and the city attorney to study other options.

Schuler then suggested a program that would employ large fluorescent

placards, allowing vehicles to be parked on city streets while preparing

for -- and unwinding from -- vacations. The Police Department would issue

the permits, and the law would be citywide, instead of concentrating only

on residential areas.

On Monday, 28 audience members offered their opinions on the new

proposal.

The most common complaint was limiting the amount of permits granted

each year. Schuler said 12 permits were allowed but that each loading or

unloading placard counted as one. In essence, residents would be allowed

six round trips per year, he said. Many people said they travel more

often than that.

Councilwoman Karen Robinson shared the concern.

“I certainly don’t think we as a city should be limiting the number of

times people can travel,” Robinson said.

The placards themselves came under fire as residents pointed out the

large fluorescent signs were an announcement to potential thieves that

someone would be out of town.

Schuler agreed with the concern, saying he would be willing to change

the color and size of the placard.

The speakers “brought up a good point, and we agree with it. We can

make a smaller placard, possibly white and not as visible,” Schuler said.

Resident David Stiller does not own a recreational vehicle but was

vehemently opposed to any stricter restriction on the large vehicles.

Stiller charged that the city has no data outlining the number of

complaints received about motor homes, nor has it presented any proof of

the dangers associated with them.

“Without any objective evidence -- or actual numbers -- you are being

arrogant and arbitrary,” Stiller told the council.

While most speakers opposed the ordinance -- or parts of it -- about

eight people spoke loudly in favor of any law that gets the motor homes

off streets.

Resident Nicole Boyd said the vehicles are a dangerous eyesore. She

complained that many irresponsible owners use Costa Mesa streets as free

storage for their vehicles and added that she wants the motor homes gone.

“If you own an RV, then you can afford to store it,” Boyd said.

Her comments were greeted with applause from those who agreed.

Unlike the last meeting, where cheers and outburst from motor home

owners were abundant, Mayor Linda Dixon promptly stopped the excessive

encouragement.

The council asked Schuler to revisit his suggestion and address

residents’ concerns.

“We’ll simply meet and discuss how to tackle this next hurdle. That’s

my job,” Schuler said.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .