Borough of Pennsburg, PA Parking of Recreational and Commercial Vehicles

Except as noted elsewhere within this chapter, the following provisions shall apply to the storage of recreation vehicles, boats, campers and trailers within the RC, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 Zoning Districts, or upon any existing lots used principally for residential purposes within the SC, INST, LI and LIC Zoning Districts:

For purposes of this section, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, utility trailers, boats (including trailers), and other trailers used solely for the transport of the resident's recreational vehicle(s) are divided into two separate categories, as follows:

(1)

Category 1 recreation vehicles that are less than 200 square feet, as described as follows: those recreational vehicles, travel trailers, utility trailers, boats (including trailers), and other trailers used solely for the transport of the resident's recreational vehicle(s) that possess no more than 200 square feet, as measured to the vehicle's outermost edges, nor exceed a height of 10 feet, as measured from the ground to the highest point of the main body of the vehicle. Vehicle height shall not be measured on vehicle accessories (e.g., air conditioners, vents, hatches, masts, antennas, outrigging fishing poles), but will be measured to the highest point of any flybridge or other boat console.

(2)

Category 2 recreation vehicles that are more than 200 square feet, as described as follows: those recreational vehicles, travel trailers, utility trailers, boats (including trailers), and other trailers used solely for the transport of the resident's recreational vehicle(s) that possess more than 200 square feet, as measured to the vehicle's outermost edges, and/or exceed a height of 10 feet, as measured from the ground to the highest point of the main body of the vehicle. Vehicle height shall not be measured on vehicle accessories (e.g., air conditioners, vents, hatches, antennas, masts, outrigging fishing poles), but will be measured to the highest point of any flybridge or other boat console.

The temporary parking of one Category 2 Recreation Vehicle for periods not exceeding 48 hours during any seven-day period is permitted on a paved or gravel surface in any yard, so long as the vehicle is set back more than 10 feet from any street right-of-way, and more than five feet from any adjoining property lines.

The permanent storage or parking of a Category 1 Recreation Vehicle shall be permitted, subject to the following requirements:

(1)

The storage of Category 1 recreation vehicles on primarily residential properties within the SC, INST, LI and LIC Zoning Districts shall be permitted, provided that the vehicle storage area is located on a paved parking space behind the building setback line and at least 10 feet from the side and rear lot line.

(2)

The storage of Category 1 recreation vehicles within the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and RC Zoning Districts shall be permitted, provided that the vehicle storage area is located on a paved parking space behind the building setback line and at least three feet from the side and rear lot lines.

(3)

The designated vehicle storage areas occupied by Category 1 recreation vehicles shall be paved and maintained in mud-free conditions, the vegetation shall be properly trimmed, and debris or litter shall be disposed of on a regular basis.

(4)

Category 1 recreation vehicles shall be maintained in order to prevent the leakage of fuels and/or lubricants into the groundwater or surface water.

(5)

When required by the Motor Vehicle Code, Category 1 recreation vehicles shall be required to maintain valid licenses and obtain current inspections.

The permanent storage or parking of a Category 2 recreation vehicle shall be permitted on primarily residential properties within the SC, INST, LI and LIC Zoning Districts, subject to the following requirements:

(1)

The storage of Category 2 recreation vehicles shall be permitted, provided that the vehicle storage area is located on an improved parking space behind the building setback line and at least 10 feet from the side and rear lot line.

(2)

The designated vehicle storage areas occupied by Category 2 recreation vehicles shall be paved and maintained in mud-free conditions, the vegetation shall be properly trimmed, and debris or litter shall be disposed of on a regular basis.

(3)

Category 2 recreation vehicles shall maintain shall be maintained in order to prevent the leakage of fuels and/or lubricants into the groundwater or surface water.

(4)

Category 2 recreation vehicles shall be required to maintain valid licenses and obtain current inspections.

The permanent storage or parking of any Category 2 recreation vehicle shall be prohibited within the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and RC Zoning Districts unless the following requirements are met:

(1)

In no case shall the vehicle contain more than 320 square feet, as measured to the vehicle's outermost edges, nor exceed a height of 12 feet, as measured from the ground to the highest point of the vehicle's main body. The vehicle height shall not be measured on vehicle accessories (air conditioners, vents, hatches, antennas, masts, outrigging fishing poles), but will be measured to the highest point of any flybridge or other boat console.

(2)

The Category 2 recreation vehicle shall be located on an improved parking space behind the building setback line and at least six feet from the side and rear lot line.

(3)

No more than one Category 2 recreation vehicle shall be permitted on a lot.

(4)

The vehicle storage area shall be screened with fencing or landscaping materials along any adjacent side and rear lot lines. Such screening shall not extend into the required front yard.

(5)

The designated vehicle storage areas occupied by Category 2 recreation vehicles shall be maintained in mud-free conditions, the vegetation shall be properly trimmed, and debris or litter shall be disposed of on a regular basis.

(6)

Category 2 recreation vehicles shall be required to maintain valid licenses and obtain current inspections.

Unless otherwise permitted by the municipality with jurisdiction, the on-street parking or storage of a Category 1 recreation vehicle or Category 2 recreation vehicle shall not be permitted.

No Category 1 or Category 2 recreational equipment shall be utilized for living, housekeeping or similar activities when parked or stored on any lot within the Borough.

The following provisions shall apply to the parking of tractor trailer trucks, commercial vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds and/or commercial vehicles exceeding 20 feet in length:

(1)

The parking of tractor trailer trucks: The tractor section of tractor trailer trucks and commercial vehicles as noted above within the Borough are further regulated under the provisions of this article and the motor vehicle laws adopted by the municipality with jurisdiction.

(2)

Tractor trailer trucks; trailers from a tractor trailer truck: The tractor section of tractor trailer trucks, commercial vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds and/or vehicles exceeding 20 feet in length may park on an approved lot designated for a permitted use within the RC, SC, INST, LI and LIC Zoning Districts, provided that the vehicles are properly licensed, registered and stored in an orderly manner on the lot. No such vehicle should be located within the front yard or within 10 feet of the side or rear property line.

(3)

No tractor trailer trucks or commercial vehicles having a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds or in excess of 20 feet in length shall be stored or parked along a public street or on a parcel of land within the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 Zoning Districts. All such vehicles shall comply with all pertinent local, state and federal laws.

Exception: Tractor trailer trucks or commercial vehicles being utilized for moving, construction or service work shall be allowed to park along a public street for the duration of the moving, construction or service work on a given day. Overnight parking is prohibited.