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Farmers Branch City Council discussed a proposed amendment to city ordinances that would restrict oversized and commercial vehicles in residential areas during their April 29 special meeting.
The amendment, requested by Councilmember Roger Neal, aims to regulate vehicles such as RVs, boats, box trucks, tow trucks, dump trucks and trailers in residential zones. The proposed changes would prohibit vehicles exceeding 9 feet in width or 21 feet in length from being parked on residential properties unless properly screened from view.
"We want to reduce overcrowding of vehicles in residential streets, improve the livability of residents and neighborhoods and reduce weight on streets that cause damage," said Director of Community Services Danielle Summers.
The city currently has no regulations regarding oversized vehicles parked on private property, despite an increase in such vehicles in residential neighborhoods.
The proposed ordinance would include a 24-month grace period to allow residents time to find alternative storage locations for their vehicles. Vehicles could still be parked in side or rear yards if concealed from public view by permitted fences, walls, vegetation or a combination of these screening methods.
During discussion, Neal raised concerns about temporary parking for RV owners who might need to load, unload or conduct maintenance for a weekend or a few days. "I think the general objective has been it just doesn't sit there for days, weeks and months on end, but there may be times that one of these vehicles needs to be temporarily parked," he said.
Councilmember Tina Bennett-Burton supported the proposed ordinance but questioned the practicality of the screening requirements. "I take issue with fencing it and putting it in the backyard because as I drove my district, that's just not feasible. They can't get them there," she said.
Council members also discussed potential alternative storage options for residents. Mayor Terry Lynne mentioned previous discussions with property owner James Bird about developing low-cost vehicle storage on his land near Keenan Bridge, though those plans haven't materialized.
The council agreed to delay final decisions until after an upcoming town hall meeting scheduled for later in May, where residents can provide feedback on the proposal.
