Los Angeles County expands RV street parking restrictions

LA County expands RV street parking restrictions

More LA County roads will be off limits for extended RV parking under a new ordinance. 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - Los Angeles County roads will be off limits for extended RV parking under a new ordinance that makes it easier to crack down on homeless encampments. 

What we know:

LA County residents say these large vehicles block visibility at intersections and driveways, take up limited street parking and create what they call a "visual blight" in their neighborhoods. Other residents say the RV activity brings even more serious issues, crime, illegal dumping and unsanitary conditions.

The LA County Board of Supervisors has given preliminary approval to expand parking restrictions for these so-called nonconforming vehicles, including RVs.

Under the ordinance, a nonconforming vehicle is defined as any vehicle that exceeds eight feet in width, seven and a half feet in height, or 20 feet in length.

The expansion includes East LA, Willowbrook, Lennox, West Athens, and several other areas across the county along residential streets.

The ordinance includes exemptions for nonconforming vehicles being used for construction, maintenance or other services provided to residents.

Enforcement would be handled by county Public Works and law enforcement, with violations subject to citations and possible towing if vehicles are not moved in compliance with the ordinance.

The other side:

RV owners claim they don't have very many options. 

FOX 11 spoke to a man who had been living in his RV for months, and said he's seen other RV owners connected to housing through the county's Pathway Home Pilot Program, and he'd like to see more outreach.

What's next:

 A final vote is expected next week, and if approved, this ordinance would take effect 30 days later.