Florida beach town limits RVs parked in driveways, but not boats

Residents who park their RVs in their driveways in Flagler Beach, Florida need to move 'em out under a new law. But no problem for boaters, who can keep their crafts right where they are. RVers can now only park their rigs for 72 hours or less per week in their driveways. The reason boats are okay is they are considered "part of the city culture." Some folks argue, having RVs close to homes is a safety issue because RVs can block access and are more prone than boats to accidental fires. "If you've ever seen an RV burn, they burn like a blow torch or a dry paper bag," one resident said. The new law, however, allows RVs to be parked inside a garage or carport, which seems to negate the RV fire danger argument.

Commissioner Joy McGrew said she had received e-mails from residents concerned that having RVs in people's yards would ruin property values and make the neighborhoods unsightly. But those are exaggerations, she said. Only about 20 residents are affected by the new law, which was the subject of debate for a long time.