Seasonal front-yard RV parking advances to the Township Board
The recommended ordinance would allow one RV, boat or trailer up to 35 feet long in a residential front yard from May through October, subject to surface, setback and visibility rules. The Planning Commission backed it 5-1; it is not law yet.
On July 28, 2026, the Planning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend the revised Section 3.19 amendment to the Township Board. Vice Chair Jim Koslosky voted no.
Minutes record: The motion carried 5 ayes (Justema, Curry, Cardosa, Ellerthorpe, Hagedorn) to 1 nay (Koslosky).
The story
Why this decision matters
What would change in summer
From May 1 through October 31, one recreational vehicle or trailer up to 35 feet long could remain in a front yard. It would have to sit on a driveway or an adjacent concrete, asphalt or gravel surface, remain at least 15 feet from the front lot line, preserve clear sightlines and not be under repair. Read the formal ordinance
What would remain restricted
From November through April, front-yard parking would remain limited to 72 hours in any 30-day period. Permanent outdoor storage generally would remain behind the front face of the house, at least five feet from side and rear lot lines, with no storage in a required corner front yard. Read the seasonal standards
Other property-wide limits
A residential lot could store no more than three recreational vehicles or pieces of recreational equipment outdoors. They would have to belong to an occupant, be licensed and be kept in good condition; they could not be used as dwellings outside a legal campground. Read Section 3.19
How commissioners responded
- The Planning Commission found that the seasonal allowance better reflects how residents use RVs and trailers while retaining limits intended to protect neighborhood character.
What happened
The Planning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend the amendment to the Township Board, with Vice Chair Jim Koslosky opposed.
Read the July 28 minutesWhat happens next: The Township Board must introduce and adopt the ordinance before it becomes law. It was not listed on the August 10 Board agenda. If adopted, the draft says it would take effect seven days after publication.
This update is based on the formal ordinance included with the July 28 packet and the approved meeting minutes. A separate revised-language attachment contains conflicting wording about two front-yard vehicles; the formal ordinance says one, so this briefing uses the formal ordinance and flags the discrepancy.
Issue timeline 4 recorded events Expand
- Agenda posted from agenda · published May 21, 2026
- Public hearing listed from agenda · published May 21, 2026
- Postponed from minutes · published Jun 3, 2026
- Recommended to Township Board, 5-1 from minutes · published Aug 6, 2026
Supporting records
These related records help explain the item, including the agenda listing, staff explanation, and draft text.
Read excerpt
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Public Hearing Section 3.19 Recreational Vehicle and Trailer Storage
Read excerpt
PLAINFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP ORDAINS: Section 1. Amendment of Section 3.19 of the Plainfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance. That Chapter 3, Section 3.19, 'Recreational Vehicle and Trailer Storage,' of the Plainfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance is amended to read in full as follows: The storage of any trailers or equipment used primarily for recreational purposes and any recreational vehicle, such as boats,…
Read excerpt
Recreational Vehicle and Trailer Storage The storage of any trailers or equipment used primarily for recreational purposes and any recreational vehicle, such as boats, floats, camping or travel trailer, pickup campers, motor homes, utility trailers, and other equipment or vehicles of similar nature in residential districts is subject to the following standards: Residential Use and Ownership . Recreational vehicles p…
Read excerpt
SECTION 3.19 - RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND TRAILER STORAGE The outdoor storage of any trailer or equipment used for residential or recreational purposes such as: airplane, boat, float, camping or travel trailer, pickup campers, snowmobiles, motor homes, motorcycles and other equipment or vehicles of a similar nature shall be prohibited for a period greater than 72 hours within any 30 day period in the RP, RE, R-1A, R-1…
Meeting history
Agenda and minutes records showing when this item appeared and what procedural step it reached over time.
Read excerpt
The item appeared on the Planning Commission Meeting agenda: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Public Hearing Section 3.19 Recreational Vehicle and Trailer Storage Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Public Hearing Section 3.19 Recreational Vehicle and Trailer Storage
Accuracy note
Civic Desk summarizes public records to make local issues easier to follow. Mistakes, omissions, or outdated details are possible, especially when an issue is still moving through meetings. Before relying on an item for an important decision, verify the details in the linked source documents or with the township directly.