Rehoboth Beach prohibits parking or storage of trailers
Due in large part to a dispute between Henlopen Avenue neighbors, Rehoboth Beach commissioners have amended code to eliminate the storage of trailers on city streets and private property.
The initial step in the process was taken during a meeting in August when commissioners amended Section 92-38 in a number of ways.
First, they clarified the title by adding the words “storing” and “leaving” so the code covers the storage and leaving of large vehicles and trailers. It now reads, “Parking, storing or leaving restricted for certain vehicles.”
Second, trailers of any size were added to sections of code already prohibiting large vehicles (at least 22 feet, 3 inches long or 8 feet, 1 inch wide) to be stored on city streets or within city limits.
More recently, during a meeting Oct. 18, commissioners added the definition of trailer to the section of the zoning code that allows the city to enforce rules on private property.
As approved, the definition of trailer is, “every vehicle, as that term as defined in § 92-1, without motive power designed to carry property or passengers wholly on its own structure and to be drawn by a motor vehicle, including but not limited to boat trailers, camping trailers, office trailers, house trailers, and vehicles designed and used for site preparation, construction or installation of materials used in construction.”
At both meetings, several citizens spoke for and against the changes.
Henlopen Avenue resident Matt Gaffney said an unkempt trailer had parked across the street from his house for years. He said the trailer was ruining the enjoyment of the view from his house, and that it was a danger to all the pedestrians and bike riders.
Seely Gerraughty, the owner of the trailer Gaffney was talking about, said her trailer is tagged and properly registered. She urged caution, saying it was a slippery slope on what commissioners might try to prohibit next.
Gerraughty said the neighbors may not like the truck she buys to replace the trailer.
There are six exceptions to the code regarding large vehicles and trailers: the city manager is allowed to designate areas in the municipal lot; a trailer less than 22 feet, 3 inches in length and less than 8 feet, 1 inch in width may be temporarily stored for up to 48 hours in any six-month period; any size-restricted vehicle or trailer may be parked on private property if it’s parked inside a building; if it’s part of a business vehicle; if it’s an antique motor vehicle; a construction trailer while construction is progressing on private property or in excess of 30 days, if approved.
Additionally, the changes don’t apply to any motor vehicle that is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.
This issue came to a head earlier in the summer. As part of a housekeeping measure to clean up city code related to parking and smoking at Deauville Beach, citizens raised concerns that some of the proposed actions would lead to an increase in parking and storage of trailers.
