West Hartford Town Council Rejects RV Storage Proposal

The West Hartford Town Council has voted against a proposal to allow recreational vehicles (RVs) to be stored at single-family homes. The council rejected the measure, presented by resident Michael Cervone, by a margin of 7-2 during a recent council meeting. Cervone aimed to modify zoning regulations to clarify the storage of RVs, which he argued currently lacks clear guidelines.

Cervone’s proposal sought to amend Section 177-2 and Section 177-6 C of the West Hartford Zoning Ordinances. He emphasized the need for clear definitions and standards to prevent confusion among residents regarding the storage of RVs. “Today’s zoning code is silent on recreational vehicles, creating ambiguity for owners and enforcement staff,” Cervone stated. He highlighted that this silence can lead to inconsistent enforcement and unnecessary disputes for homeowners.

In his pitch, Cervone pointed out that nearby communities in Connecticut have adopted similar regulations, making West Hartford an outlier. He argued that the town has an obligation to define how property is stored compliant with existing regulations. His proposed definition of a recreational vehicle included a range of vehicles designed for leisure, including motor homes, trailers, and all-terrain vehicles.

Cervone explained that his proposal included specific conditions for RV storage. If stored outside, an RV would need to be placed behind the main building on the property and at least 10 feet from side and rear lot lines. Additionally, the proposal stipulated that RVs could not be used for living or commercial activities and must be kept in good repair.

The council’s discussion revealed concerns regarding the proposed ordinance’s language. Todd Dumais, the town planner, noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission found the language potentially ambiguous, which could create an enforcement burden. He mentioned inconsistencies regarding the placement of RVs and the permissiveness of the proposed definition.

Following the vote, council member Jason Wang expressed his support for Cervone’s proposal, stating, “I just think it’s a free country, and you’re not hurting anybody by owning an RV.” He expressed surprise at the opposition to the measure. Council member Gayle Harris sought clarification on whether RV owners were being taxed while being restricted from storing their vehicles on their properties. She was informed that they were.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor acknowledged the thoughtful nature of Cervone’s proposal but ultimately deemed it too broad in its current form. “The concerns raised are legitimate, and I think aspects of this issue warrant further consideration,” she said. Cantor suggested that the proposal be studied further in committee to explore a more narrowly tailored ordinance.

The council’s decision underscores the ongoing challenges faced by residents regarding zoning regulations and property use in West Hartford. As the community navigates these complexities, discussions about recreational vehicle storage are likely to continue.