Council backs front-yard trailer parking

Nov, 24-2009 11:39 am

By JACKIE HANUSEY
Staff Writer

ABSECON – City Council introduced a revised version of an ordinance Thursday, Nov. 19 that would allow owners of trailers, motor homes and boats to park them in their front driveways.

The way the law currently reads, parking of such vehicles is only allowed in the backyard or on the side of homes, making driveways in the front of a house off limits for such parking.

While council was content with introducing the matter again, some members of the public objected.

Gerald Hoenes of Absecon was unhappy that the changes being discussed would make some of the “eyesores” he sees in town legal.

Hoenes said he did his own survey of 361 residences in the Estates section of town. Of those properties that had trailers, motor homes or boats, he said 15 were in compliance with what is on the books now and 11 were in violation for having their trailers or boats in their front driveway, on the front lawn or parked in front of their home on the street.

Hoenes said he would like to see the current law enforced so these vehicles are not sitting in Absecon yards most of the year when not in use.

“This is the reason we have boatyards and mobile home parks,” he said.

“Obviously we cannot have a team of code enforcement officials go block by block 24 hours a day to see what ordinances are being violated,” said Council President Lynn Caterson.

“This is a compromise by even allowing them in town,” Hoenes said.

Hoenes said he was curious about what research was done about the laws in neighboring towns.

In response to the question, City Administrator Terry Dolan said they looked at some other towns, some of which did not allow parking of these vehicles at all.

“Absecon, being as small and as neighborly as we are,” it didn’t seem worth the time to keep looking at other towns, said Dolan.

By adopting the ordinance, Hoenes said the city would be encouraging people to bring in boats from docks to their driveways. He said he felt sorry for people who paid good money to come into compliance with what is on the books now.

Dory Saul, a 33-year Absecon resident, also spoke during the work session.

A motor home owner, Saul wanted to make sure he is and would still be in compliance should there be a change. He would. His vehicle exceeds the size limit, but that only refers to buses, according to Caterson.

After both men had a chance to speak, Caterson asked council members if they wished to introduce the ordinance that evening, enforce what was on the books or make any adjustments. There were no objections to moving forward.

The first reading of the ordinance passed 4-0. Councilman Fred Green and Councilwoman Bobbie Gorman abstained. Councilman Jerry Falivene was absent.

This new version incorporates the Planning Board’s suggestions, which include having no buses longer than 25 feet parked in driveways and requires that the vehicles not obstruct the sight line for pedestrians or motorists.

There was no length given for the line of sight. Caterson said this could be more or less than the usually noted 10 feet, depending on the location.

Caterson said the law was originally drafted to prevent families from living adjacent to their home in a trailer or camper. It also prevents these vehicles from being hooked up to utilities.

The final reading of the ordinance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.

To comment on this story email Jackie.Hanusey@catamaranmedia.com