Council discusses tightening parking code to close 72‑hour RV loophole, consider permit pilot

Councilors and police staff spent an extended portion of the meeting on proposed updates to the city's parking code aimed at preventing vehicles—especially recreational vehicles—from effectively 'homesteading' public curb space by moving a few inches every 72 hours. The police chief explained how officers currently check and notify vehicles, then return after 72 hours; the proposed fix would require a longer forced move (discussed 6–9 days) or create a resident‑tied permit to allow short‑term stays. "We technically we don't tag the tires... we do the payment next to them. And then they move a couple inches... the recommendation here is that we address that loophole," the chief said.

Staff proposed a residential permit process similar to existing neighborhood parking permits and recommended tying a permit to a resident (vehicles must park within 100 feet of the associated residence). Councilors suggested including penalty language in the ordinance (example cited: Eugene's code with fines up to $500 and towing after repeated violations) and to pilot the change to see whether longer required moves reduce problematic long‑term parking. The chief emphasized enforcement should be paired with social‑service outreach; "99% of all the people that we deal with comply," he said, noting staff will focus on the small share that remains noncompliant.

Next steps: staff to draft ordinance language—including possible penalties—and return for further review and a year‑end reassessment of the pilot.