RVs Okay on Goleta’s Streets, for Now

On Tuesday, May 18, the City of Goleta held a public hearing to discuss possibly amending Ordinance 10, which establishes parking restrictions on city streets for oversized vehicles, recreational vehicles, and trailers.

The two-hour-long forum consisted of a staff presentation and public hearing. Goleta Mayor Eric Onnen along with city councilmembers Roger Aceves, Margaret Connell, Michael T. Bennett, and Edward Easton unanimously decided that the ordinance change was a positive step toward improving city parking, but needed to be sent back to staff for further review.

About 10 Goleta residents attended. While some said they view the public parking of oversized vehicles as an eyesore and an impediment to street cleaning, others said they value the right because it’s so convenient.

Oversized vehicles that would be affected by the ordinance change include boats, trailers, RVs, storage containers, and inoperative automobiles. While the proposed ordinance calls for permits and time restraints on public parking, the councilmembers eventually decided to amend the ordinance further. Mayor Onnen proposed collecting a monthly inventory of oversized vehicles on the street.

“There are many different situations in the bill which cannot be addressed by a ‘one size fits all’ attitude,” said Councilmember Edward Easton.

Although Councilmember Roger Aceves expressed hope that the amending process and public trials concerning this proposal would not continue for another two to three months, Councilmember Margaret Connell recognized the importance of the public hearing.

“Further revision will make the proposal better” said Connell.