Rules for storing RVs, boats, and trailers could change
Plainfield Township is considering changes to its ordinance on storing recreational vehicles and trailers on residential lots. The proposal would introduce new seasonal rules, including allowing some front-yard parking between May and October, setting a limit of three outdoor vehicles, and requiring them to be licensed and in good condition.
Timeline
- Agenda posted from agenda · published May 21, 2026
- Public hearing listed from agenda · published May 21, 2026
This item appeared at a past meeting, but minutes or final action evidence are not in the local record yet. Action may have been taken not yet represented here.
Key facts
- The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance changes on May 26, 2026.
- The proposed ordinance allows for temporary front yard parking of up to two recreational vehicles from May 1 to October 31 under specific conditions.
- The proposal limits front yard parking from November 1 to April 30 to a period not exceeding 72 hours within any 30-day period.
- The current ordinance prohibits outdoor storage of RVs for more than 72 hours in a 30-day period unless stored behind the front face of the main building.
- The proposal introduces a new requirement for stored vehicles to be licensed and in good condition.
- Parking in the front yard would need to be on a driveway or an adjacent improved surface like concrete, asphalt, or gravel.
Discretion or exceptions
- The rules would not apply to vehicles stored inside a completely enclosed building.
- Recreational vehicles could not be used as a dwelling unless located within a legal campground.
Who could be affected
- Residents who own recreational vehicles, boats, utility trailers, or similar equipment
- Property owners in residential zoning districts
What could change
- From May 1 to October 31, residents would be allowed to park up to two RVs in their front yard on an improved surface (like a driveway or adjacent gravel/asphalt), with only one vehicle being over 20 feet long. Vehicles must be at least 15 feet from the front lot line.
- During the winter, from November 1 to April 30, front-yard parking of RVs would be limited to 72 hours within any 30-day period.
- A maximum of three recreational vehicles or pieces of equipment could be stored outdoors on a residential property.
- As a general rule, long-term outdoor storage would still be required behind the front face of the house.
- Any recreational vehicle parked or stored on a residential lot would have to be licensed and in "good condition."
What to watch
The Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Township Board for review. If the Township Board adopts the ordinance, it would become effective seven days after a summary is published in a local newspaper.
- What standards will be used to determine if a vehicle is in 'good condition'?
- How would the 'furthest front face of the main dwelling' be measured on homes with complex shapes like porches or protruding garages?
- How would the township enforce the 72-hour parking limit during the winter months?
Questions to check
- The proposed ordinance does not define what constitutes 'good condition' for a recreational vehicle.
- The ordinance would take effect 7 days after publication if adopted, but the specific date of adoption by the Township Board is not yet scheduled.
Supporting records
These related records help explain the item, including the agenda listing, staff explanation, and draft text.
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Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Public Hearing Section 3.19 Recreational Vehicle and Trailer Storage
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ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 3.19 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF PLAINFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP
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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…
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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
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