Pomona residents who want to park their RVs, campers or other large vehicles in front of their homes overnight will now need a city permit to do so.
Pomona City Council voted unanimously this week to approve an ordinance that would ban large vehicles from parking more than four hours during the day and between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. on city streets and parking lots .
The move is a result of complaints regarding stalling and parking of large vehicles occupying residential parking spaces, blocking lines of sight and posing a safety hazard to motorists and pedestrians. Parking of oversized vehicles also “undermines the aesthetic appearance of city streets”, according to a city report.
Meanwhile, there are concerns about human waste from homeless people living in vehicles, Pomona Police Lieutenant Ryan Rodriguez told the city council on Monday, May 2.
“A lot of these[vehicles]don’t have running water or plumbing,” Rodriguez said, “so naturally what are they going to do?” They walk on the sidewalk, on the grass in front of people’s houses. I see it all the time.”
Rodriguez said some large vehicles parked for long periods of time often attract illegal activities such as prostitution and drugs.
The ordinance approved by the council on Monday targets large and non-motorized vehicles that are 19 feet in length or more than 6 feet in height. Any mirror attached to such vehicle is included in the measured size of the extension or auxiliary vehicle, the Ordinance reads.
Exceptions include any commercial vehicle loading, unloading or delivering goods and any vehicle with a valid permit.
Residents with oversized vehicles can apply for a permit to park on a public road for up to 48 hours, up to four times a month. Under the ordinance, the city cannot issue more than 12 permits in any calendar year to a resident, specific property or specific large vehicle.
Out-of-town guests can apply for a permit through residents who can prove their residence within the city. The Ordinance specifies that any permit must be obtained at least seven calendar days prior to the effective date of the permit.
The price for the permit will be determined later and may be established by the city council through a separate resolution.
Violators of the ordinance will receive a parking citation and will be subjected to towing if authorized by the chief of police. Rodriguez said any citation issued would have a chance to appeal if a person was wrongfully issued.
Council member John Nolte raised concerns that the ordinance could target families and individuals who are living out of their vehicles. But Rodriguez assured the council that the goal is to go after those who willfully violate the ordinance.
Mayor Tim Sandoval said that if any such large vehicle-dwelling families come into the city, they will be connected to support services to try to find housing.
“When I think of families living in RVs out of necessity, I know that our team is going to do whatever we can to help that family,” Sandoval said at the meeting. “We want to get them into housing immediately.”
The ordinance is expected to come into effect 30 days after the council reads the proposed ordinance for the second time.
