The West Hartford Town Council voted against a proposal aimed at allowing residents to park recreational vehicles (RVs) at their homes. The motion, presented by resident Michael Cervone, was defeated with a 7-2 margin during a recent council meeting. Cervone sought to amend the town’s zoning regulations, specifically Sections 177-2 and 177-6, to clarify the rules surrounding RV storage in single-family residential districts.
Cervone argued that the existing zoning code does not address recreational vehicles, causing confusion for residents and enforcement personnel. “Today, the town’s zoning code is silent on recreational vehicles,” he stated, adding that this silence leads to inconsistent enforcement and disputes among homeowners. He emphasized that his proposal aimed to provide clear definitions and reasonable standards for the limited outdoor storage of RVs.
The proposed changes included defining a recreational vehicle as any vehicle or trailer designed for leisure, travel, or temporary accommodation, such as motor homes, campers, and trailers. Cervone stated, “Establishing this definition ensures that residents and enforcement officers are working from the same understanding.”
Under Cervone’s proposal, RVs could be parked behind the main building on a property, and if stored outside a garage, they would need to maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from side or rear lot lines. Additionally, the proposal stipulated that RVs should not be used for sleeping, living, or conducting business and must be kept in good repair and sanitary conditions.
Despite the detailed proposal, concerns were raised by the West Hartford Planning & Zoning department about the language and potential enforcement challenges related to the ordinance. Town Planner Todd Dumais pointed out ambiguities that could complicate the enforcement of vehicle placement and the definition of recreational vehicles, particularly regarding non-commercial utility trailers.
Following the council’s vote, council member Jason Wang expressed surprise at the opposition to the proposal, stating, “I just think it’s a free country, and you’re not hurting anybody by owning an RV.” Council member Gayle Harris questioned whether RVs are taxed while residents are prohibited from parking them on their properties, a situation confirmed by council discussions.
Mayor Shari Cantor acknowledged the thoughtful nature of Cervone’s proposal but expressed concerns about its broad scope. She suggested further study in committee to explore a more narrowly tailored ordinance. “I believe the concerns raised are legitimate,” Cantor said.
Cervone’s proposal aimed to address a gap in West Hartford’s zoning regulations and align the town with surrounding communities that have adopted similar measures regarding RV storage. Although the proposal did not pass, the discussion highlighted ongoing debates about property rights, community aesthetics, and local governance.
