With over 10% of the population purchasing RVs / Boats etc. prior to 9/11/01 and with an increase of over 20% purchase sales since 9/11/01, the issue of RVs / Boats are increasing and are here to stay and we should all do what is needed to protect our property and RV rights. The owners of RVers / Boaters / Motorcyclist / Work Trailers / Jet Skis / etc are good people and the majority take care of their RVs / Boats etc.

It is time for the City Napa to make sure that property owners have rights for the land that they purchase and pay tax on to not be forced and or subjected to unreasonable issues.

It is time for the City of Napa to move on by using its resources for a valid exercise of City and Police power, the power to regulate real public health, safety, morals, and welfare issues - not the misuse or abuse of City and or police power.

1. The city has control of what we can do with our property, which they call the"set back area". Most homes have a set back area of 20 feet starting from the inside edge of the side walk towards your home. This means that you are subject to the City's Control of what you can or cannot do with this area. There are also setback areas on the side and back of your property.

What does this mean…. You may get a "friendly neighbor" (whether they live in front, side, back yard or down the street) who may resort to legal tactics and maneuvers. . So beware and forewarned, if you have something in the front, side or back of your home that is within these setback areas, you can be subject to violation(s), abatement citations, fines, possible threats and or requests to attend hearings.

• So, if your licenced and operable car (passenger vehicle), work trailer or RV is parked on an "RV" pad or on any part of your property that is not designated as a parking area (City defines as your garage or driveway), then you would be in Violation of Napa City's Zoning Ordinance, Section 8.16.010 D20 and Section 17.64.080.

• The City of Napa appears to be attempting to pass this issue with little to no input from the public. As of 9/11/02, there has been no notice sent out and no official posting in the newspaper about the upcoming ordinance. Secondly, the City Council nearly passed an ordinance on May 28, 2002 (notice only came a couple of days prior to the meeting), when all they were supposed to do according to their courtesy notice was to "hold a workshop to discuss Parking of RV…".

• Many of the City Council and the City Planning Directors (City Staff have been great) have stated emphatically, "this is not their problem" and or their concern over the lack of parking spaces in Napa. City Planning Staff reports that there are only 13 spaces currently available in the environs of the City of Napa to park RV's / Trailers, etc, despite the thousands of RV's that exist in the city, notwithstanding taking away more property rights, security concerns, vandalism etc.

If you want to protect your rights as property / home / RV owners /, I highly suggest you attend this meeting and or send a letter to these representatives.

If you do nothing and the City votes in favor of encroaching further into your land and being able to tell you what can or can't do, than be prepared for:

a) More neighbor complaints and attacks (more ammo with more city ordinances);
b) A code enforcement, police department and city resources that will spend time away from more important issues such as but not limited to; burgulerly, theft, auto accidents, gangs, domestic violance, real public / health / safety issues etc.
c) The day when you want to sell your property that has "RV Parking", and the buyers want this amenity. FYI - Just note how many realitors list this as an enhacement to the property!
d) For those who do not have an RV, the day your spouse, kids, relative or friends want to park their RV on your wonderful property that has RV access and then you cannot…you would have given up your rights.

Remember - What starts out as a complaint, can then be turned into an attack, which can then be turned into a situation whereby all homeowners, including you, may be losing more of your property rights. If you are not parking your licensed / operable/ moveable / functioning vintage car, regular passenger vehicle, boat, trailer, work trailer, jet ski's, motorcycle, RV etc, directly in your garage or "legal" driveway, and instead are parking these items on the side of your driveway, back, front or side yard and or in the "SETBACK AREAS", you will be in violation and can be subject to Code Enforcement.