We, the undersigned residents of Cobourg, respectfully petition Town Council to remove the current and proposed restrictions, including size requirements, of the parking of recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats on private residential property in the upcoming Zoning By-law.

Our reasons include:

RVs are owned by over 2 million Canadians, representing roughly 14% of all Canadian households. The median age of RV owners is 55, reflecting a mix of retirees, families, and working adults who use RVs for seasonal travel and leisure. In Cobourg, many residents already park their RVs responsibly on their properties without issue. A simple drive through local neighbourhoods clearly shows that RV use is common, well-maintained, and integrated into the character of the community.

Most modern RVs are significantly longer than 6 metres (19.7 ft). For instance, travel trailers typically measure 10–12 m (33–40 ft), and motorhomes often range from 7.9 m (26 ft) to over 13.7 m (45 ft). Imposing a 6 m cap would force the majority of RV owners into commercial storage an avoidable and costly outcome, since few existing units would fit legally on residential properties.

Residents should have the right to store their legally owned, licensed RVs on their own driveways or in rear/side yards, provided they are not lived in or creating safety issues.\

RVs are already banned from parking on public roads under Cobourg’s Parking By-law 030-2022. Additional zoning restrictions are unnecessary and punitive.

There is currently no clear exemption process in Cobourg for residents wishing to park RVs (over 20 feet) on their own property. Any request would require applying for a Minor Variance or Zoning By-law Amendment, which can cost between $2,500 and $4,000+ in Ontario, sometimes more when including drawings and consultant fees. Cobourg’s own planning process requires a $1,800 pre-consultation before applications are even accepted These costs are completely unreasonable and out of proportion, especially given there is no established precedent in Cobourg for needing a formal zoning application just to park a licensed vehicle on one’s own property. Expecting residents to pay thousands of dollars. including a mandatory $1,800 pre-consultation, for a basic, everyday use of private space is excessive and unjustified.

Zoning by-law enforcement in Cobourg is complaint driven, meaning RV owners are only penalized if a neighbour complains. This creates unequal treatment and some residents face enforcement while others, in identical situations, do not. Instead of applying clear and fair rules across the board, this approach encourages tension between neighbours and targets individuals based on personal grievances rather than actual harm.

Nearby municipalities like Port Hope, Newmarket, and Kitchener allow RV parking on private property with reasonable, enforceable conditions (e.g., no habitation, setbacks, safety rules). Cobourg can follow suit.
 

We therefore call upon Cobourg Town Council to:

Remove all current proposed zoning by-law restrictions that would prohibit or limit the ability of homeowners to park RVs on their own property.

Maintain a standard which allows for RV parking on private property as long as the RV is not occupied and does not create safety or visibility hazards.

Consult the public further before implementing restrictions that financially and personally impact so many local residents.