As an example of what may become a trend nationwide, in January, 2003 the City of Redmond handed down a ruling. The new ordinance, ostensibly in response to complaints that RVs have been "obstructing neighborhood views and sidewalks," states that owners must now park their RVs behind or to one side of their homes in such a way that they "make minimal visual impact." Unlike your Jag or your Rolls, you can't let your neighbors see your Country Coach or your Newell sitting in the driveway.

Our research into this issue found that Sarah Stiteler, the Redmond city planner who designed the new dictum, claims it is not intended to "banish RVs from sight" but simply to designate where on the owner's property they may be stored. Ironically, the part that demands "screening by vegetation or fencing if the vehicle is not parked perpendicular to the street" or other public access would suggest that RVs are an unwelcome sight to some residents and should be hidden from view.

Unfortunately, parking restrictions such as those now instituted in Redmond are becoming an everyday problem for RVers across the country. Once they're written into law, they're difficult to undo. Here, however, are a few suggestions for keeping limiting laws at bay, wherever you make your home base:

Park discreetly: Park your RV as unobtrusively as possible on your own property and respect existing regulations when parking elsewhere in the community.

Keep your RV clean and the area where it's parked as neat and free of debris as possible. It's a good idea to keep slideouts and awnings closed when the vehicle is not in use.

Don't park the RV on a steep grade or in such a way that it blocks the right-of-way of pedestrians or other vehicles.

Check out legalities regarding RVs before you buy real estate in any area. You could save yourself some headaches as well as the inconvenience and expense of outside storage rentals.

Keep abreast of community affairs so you won't be taken by surprise if an ordinance that affects you comes across the table.

Join with other RVers in constructive debate with those who would restrict your parking rights. Often, it's the voices of a few loud protestors that result in such legislation. When RVers work together, they have a good chance to help create reasonable solutions to urban problems. While their motor home or trailer is an object of delight and desire to RVers, to many they are simply objects of disdain. As long as this is the case, there'll be a need for awareness and constructive action on the part of the RVing community.

RVCG Staff, Spring 2003