The West Hartford Town Council has voted against a proposal to modify zoning regulations that would have permitted the storage of recreational vehicles (RVs) at residential properties. The measure, presented by resident Michael Cervone, aimed to clarify existing regulations and address confusion concerning the storage of RVs within the town.
During a recent hearing, Cervone advocated for changes to Sections 177-2 and 177-6 C of the West Hartford Zoning Ordinances. His proposal sought to define and regulate RV storage as an accessory use in single-family residential districts. Despite his arguments for clarity and consistent enforcement, the council ultimately rejected the proposal with a 7-2 vote.
Cervone emphasized the need for clear guidelines, stating, “The town’s zoning code is silent on recreational vehicles, which creates confusion for residents.” He argued that the absence of regulations leads to inconsistent enforcement and disputes among homeowners. “This proposal does not introduce new land use but provides structure for a use that already exists throughout our community,” he added.
He noted that many surrounding communities in Connecticut have adopted similar measures, positioning West Hartford as an outlier. Cervone’s proposed definition of a recreational vehicle included motor homes, campers, travel trailers, and all-terrain vehicles. “Establishing this definition ensures that residents and enforcement officers are working from the same understanding,” he explained.
The proposed regulations stipulated that RVs must be parked behind the main building of a property, at least 10 feet from side or rear lot lines, and prohibited in front yards. Additionally, the proposal aimed to ensure that stored RVs could not be used for sleeping or living, thereby preventing issues with inoperable or abandoned vehicles.
Cervone urged the council to support his proposal, asserting, “We have a problem in need of a fix. This proposal is intentionally narrow and carefully designed to minimize impact on neighbors.”
Despite the support from some council members, including Jason Wang and Gayle Harris, the measure faced scrutiny from the West Hartford Planning & Zoning Department. Town Planner Todd Dumais cited concerns regarding the language of the proposal, which he described as ambiguous and potentially burdensome for enforcement. He specifically noted inconsistencies in how the placement of RVs was discussed.
Following the vote, Wang expressed his surprise at the opposition to the proposal, stating, “I don’t think you’re hurting anybody by owning an RV.” Harris raised concerns about residents being taxed for vehicles they are not allowed to store on their properties, highlighting a disconnect between assessment practices and zoning regulations.
Mayor Shari Cantor acknowledged the thoughtful nature of Cervone’s proposal but indicated that it required further consideration. “As drafted, the ordinance is too broad, and I’m not prepared to support it in its current form,” she said. Cantor suggested that the matter be studied further to determine if a more tailored ordinance could be developed.
The decision not to adopt the proposed regulation leaves West Hartford without clear guidelines on the storage of recreational vehicles at residential properties, continuing a situation that many residents find confusing.
