For the first time since the founding of the city a quarter century ago, commercial vehicles are on the verge of being allowed to park in Palm Coast’s residential driveways for more than a lunch hour, or to make service calls.
A divided Palm Coast City Council voted 3-2 to approve on first reading the change to what had been one of the more vexing restrictions for trades workers and for the council, which has wrestled with the restriction on several occasions since 2010, always stopping short of altering it–until now.
Mayor Mike Norris and Council members Ty Miller and Theresa Pontieri voted for the change. Council members Dave Sullivan and Charles Gambaro voted against. The council is to vote on the ordinance’s second and final reading in four weeks, at which point it would be enacted. (Pontieri, a lawyer, will be absent at the next business meeting in two weeks, having to represent a client at trial, and the measure would fail in a 2-2 vote.)
“This is a very reasonable medium to be business-friendly in our community,” Pontieri said. “I constantly hear the need to bring in working families, younger families, improve our workforce. And I think this is a step in that direction, without taking away a lot of the restrictions that continue to make our neighborhoods beautiful.”
The change ranks alongside the council’s recent relaxing of outside paint color restrictions on residential homes, an issue that had also divided the council and the community for years, but that increasingly appeared musty and fusty in a city begging for a jolt of vibrancy.
The biggest changes are the removal of a prohibition on advertising, commercial or any other markings on vehicles, regardless of size (until now any markings larger than three square feet were prohibited), and the removal of a prohibition on vehicles with a carrying capacity larger than 1 ton.
(*) But the change, while significant, comes with a rackful of caveats and asterisks. In other words, numerous other pre-existing restrictions remain.
Six conditions apply to permissibly parked commercial vehicles: racks, ladders and other attachments, such as pipes, may not exceed the length of the vehicle by more than 2 feet, or its width by more than a foot. Any attachment is considered a rack and includes storage containers, which must be securely attached. The vehicle must be kept neat with nothing dangling or loose. No hazardous or malodorous materials allowed. Commercial vehicles that exceed 18 feet in length and 10 feet in height are prohibited. And only one commercial vehicle is allowed per driveway.
While the typical commercial trades vehicle such as a van for electrical, plumbing, painting or cable work may now be permissibly parked overnight or at any other time in driveways, all larger commercial vehicles, from limousines to dump trucks to box trucks to overnight services delivery trucks to semis to recreational vehicles and boats on trailers remain prohibited.
“Does the council,” Norris asked his colleagues, “feel that this is meeting our objective to make it a little bit easier for craftsmen and tradesmen and other people within the community, small business owners, do we feel that this is meeting what our goals and objective of this change to the ordinance? Does anyone have any issues?”
Council member Dave Sullivan and Charles Gambaro had no issues. They were just opposed to changing the ordinance. Gambaro mentioned recently seeing a prohibited vehicle’s trailer parked at a short-term rental, even before changing the code. “The founding fathers of the city laid out a vision of what they expected this city to look like,” he said. “This is a slippery slope going forward.”
Pontieri and Miller approved, Pontieri tying the change to quality of life, as it helps families spend more time together rather than see one of their breadwinners have to drive a commercial vehicle to and from a parking area after or before work. A lot of the city’s innumerable storage facilities thrive on that trade.
She rejected claims that the measure would “open the floodgates” to abuses. “ This literally just allows you to put one work vehicle with pretty strict restrictions, still in your driveway, and it doesn’t allow any of the other things that our code currently precludes,” Pontieri said. “Obviously, it’s incumbent upon code enforcement to make sure that this amendment, if it passes, is abided by appropriately. And if we do start to see abuse, then, you know, we as council have the ability to come back and put the restriction back in place. I just don’t think we’ll see that. I think that’s a false alarm.”
The majority approved the measure with the understanding that the city’s Code Enforcement division will report back in six months with a summary of all complaints received on commercial vehicles. Norris wants the measure’s changes widely advertised on the city’s social media and other platforms.
A construction tradesman who’s lived in Palm Coast for five years told the council he’s never had an issue like he’s had in this city, with his vehicles. “The rules that you guys have in parking, nobody else has that,” he said. “I drive $150,000 truck, and yet it’s a nice truck, but I get harassed by a neighbor–not me, but he calls the city. He lives three blocks away from me, and just because he says it’s a rule, you harass me.” He said Palm Coast is no longer just a retirement community. “I work emergency call-outs. I run calls for knocked down traffic signals. I have to be able to jump in my truck and go. You guys have your own guys that work here, but a lot of cities don’t.”
Another resident got emotional, describing how the prohibition had affected her family life, with pending fines and her son possibly having to move because of his van. But Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman said the city has worked with the woman, ensuring that if the ordinance amendment does pass, none of the enforcement mechanisms would be invoked.
justbob says
Irritate the many to satisfy the few.
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
Now if they would work on allowing boats and campers that fit in our driveways, with a 10 foot setback from the street or sidewalk, we’ll look like a city.
Dusty says
Whoever wants to just moved them around anyway. We have a neighbor with a bus sized TV that moves it across the street into the driveway next door but it’s always right there so they never park it anywhere else anyway. Code enforcement hasn’t been hard on them ever
Laurie BEhenna says
This needs to be put to a referendom. Four people are not qualified to speak for the time. This is still a democracy.
JC says
The people who are complaining about this purposed rule change are anti-workers and anti-working class NIMBY types. The end.
NJ says
WHAT!!! Palm Coast is Finally trying to become a NORMAL City! Has Hell Frozen Over??
Raymond says
Oh no they are parking vehicles that are considered commercial in a driveway. What will we ever do!! Oh the agony! You guys would cry about anything. By the way I don’t have a commercial vehicle if that’s what you were gonna say.
Just me says
Who truly wants to buy a house and not be able to park your own trucks, boats, trailers etc.. in your own driveway and not get crap for it. Clearly there’s plenty of haters and jealousy but just like property taxes, I feel like we never truly own our home and actually reside with things we worked hard for and like to enjoy without paying another fee for storage and the time it takes to go get whatever and utilize it?! Never will it ever make sense to me how this county/city just decides things and continues to pads pockets with nonsense fines when they could be putting it into our roads and less obstructive landscaping🙄 🤦🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
Land of no turn signals says says
Code enforcement is about to get REAL busy.
My two cents says
I think boats on trailers and regular non-commercial sized vehicles commercially decorated should be allowed in driveways. I don’t get why they aren’t. This is Florida, and boats are kinda commonly found here. Two, some people need jobs, and they also need homes, that they pay taxes for (on both).. The neighborhoods of south Florida look much nicer than here and all of this is allowed, including landscaping such as hedge rows beyond the front gutter line of the house. We are so behind the times.
C says
So you’ll be able to park a commercial vehicle (work truck) in your driveway, but not a limousine? 🤔
Paul says
The founding fathers now that’s a real joke
Ed Danko, former Vice-Mayor PC says
I pushed very hard to allow commercial vehicles to park in driveways when I was on council, but unfortunately, I did not have the votes to make this happen. I’m happy to see that much needed change will finally occur. When your AC or plumbing goes out you’ll be happy that your neighbor’s truck is parked near your home and able to respond quickly. It is sad and very disappointing that Councilman, and now Candidate for Congress, Gambaro has no respect for people who work hard for a living.
shark says
Time to get rid of Pontieri – wants chickens -beach for Palm Coast residents and now trucks with advertising.
John says
I have no problem with a commercial working vehicle or a boat on a trailer in anyone’s driveway.
TR says
Nephew, those are not work related items, they are play toys for adults and will never be allowed. Not to mention the first 15′ of ones driveway is part of the easement from the city. So if you fight the city to allow those types of toys, it would have to be behind the 15′ easement. But like I said, it will never happen.
Pig Farmer says
For the most part, this should be fine, but what about vehicles that are completely wrapped with obnoxious advertising? Those pizza delivery cars come to mind.
JimboXYZ says
“I think boats on trailers and regular non-commercial sized vehicles commercially decorated should be allowed in driveways. I don’t get why they aren’t.”
Because that’s where the boat will stay for eternity for too many. Something that should end up in the landfill never will. Have you seen some of the garages as you drive by one that the door is open & on full display ? Their car(s) are parked in the driveway for a reason, add a boat or RV to that & the cars will end up on the street & in the swale. Put an RV in the driveway, that becomes unreported rental income, the mobile addition to a dwelling. Most won’t do that, but there are enough if them that I’m certain it will happen. I don’t want to be next door to those people, especially if they are duplex renters. Too many absentee landlords in Palm Coast & there are those that will try that too, just as they try their hand at being the residential drug house operation.
selective code enforcement says
There are 3 houses on my little street that have work vans with company logos and info on them both sides, nobody ever cared. Now if they would just mellow out about boats in the driveway, Hell I’ve been written up with a nastygram taped in huge bright blue tape on my garage door for a canoe leaning against the back of the house, good thing I didn’t catch him back there snooping around…
Greg says
Don’t care. We sold and and you can turn this city into Orlando Jr
Erod says
Finally, Palm Coast is going to become the Mondex East.
A.J. says
I remember when Palm Coast was all swamp. Now everyone has moved here to get away from whatever crappy blue state they came from. What happened to freedom? It’s MY yard and MY house. I should be able to park an RV, a boat or any work vehicle in MY yard. I don’t see how a town can survail you without a warrant then TRESPASS on your property to affix a notice to YOUR house witch is vandalism.
A.J. says
What happened to FREEDOM? Why can’t I park MY boat or MY RV in MY yard? Are we still in the United States? I thought Florida was the FREE state. They surveil you without a warrant. Trespass on YOUR property and vandalize YOUR property by affixing a notice to YOUR house. That’s not FREEDOM. That’s a nanny state.
Done says
The minority loudmouth complainers have won.
It won’t be enough. Next they’ll be complaining because they want to park campers, boats and RVs in their driveways. A slippery slope. All for votes so Pontieri gets elected to county commission.
We were going to do a major upgrade to our property including paver driveway leading to a big front paver patio with water fountains as well as paver backyard with spots for trees and water fountains. Now not investing any $$ into the house. I’m sure the loudmouth complainers will be cheering. Let’s revisit this in 10 years. As for this commenter, we’ll be moving on to a location similar to what Palm Coast could have been. I’m not telling anyone where it is. Can’t wait to exit this place and move on to a place that’s on a higher scale of living.
Dee says
For all the people complaining…just stop it…these vehicles are driven by hard working men and women who are just trying to support their families…if you don’t want to see this then move…
Mark Webb says
This is so sad! Everyone has a opinion on this issue, but no one cares enough to show up to city council meetings and voice how they want this to go.
Stop complaining unless you speak up.
Edith Campins says
I saw a JONBOY sewage truck in our neighborhood today. According to the proposed guidelines that could be parked in the driveway next to your house. It would meet the size and signage requirements. That way the poor, working guy wouldn’t have to take it back to the yard to empty it…..until the next morning. I wonder what that lovely view would do to the value of the property next door and even the neighborhood.
Lucia Hopkins says
I strongly oppose allowing commercial vehicles to park in residential driveways. Trucks, vans, and other commercial vehicles don’t match our clean, suburban character, and streets lined with them would look cluttered and industrial. Visible commercial vehicles can make neighborhoods less appealing to buyers, potentially lowering property values. They also create safety concerns by blocking sidewalks, driveways, and sightlines, putting children and pedestrians at risk. Allowing this change would undermine neighborhood pride and transform our streetscape from tidy and well-maintained to neglected and industrial, which goes against the very qualities that make Palm Coast a desirable community.
JC says
Keep it up with the NIMBY Anti-Worker comments everyone. Now we know who are really against the working class.
Carl K says
We all bought our homes here knowing the Palm Coast rules and regulations. Whats allowed and whats not allowed. You must be a NJ ie Nut Job.
If you think turning our beautiful city into a poodunk area like daytona north/mondex is NORMAL.
JC says
Carl K: You also know that rules can be changed by elected government. Rules can always be changed thanks to our charter. If you anti-working class don’t like it, make sure you have 3 out of the five seats in the council to change it back.
If you care so much about rules and regulations, how about you go back to NJ where you just referenced.
Tired of it says
There are those commenting on this forum that are trying to frame the issue as poor working people against the wealthy homeowners. Nothing could be further from the truth. Palm Coast was not planned/designed as a working class community. It was planned as a retirement community. Most of our homeowners were, at some point, working people. They worked, they saved so that when they retired thy could afford a pleasant, safe, comfortable life style. They hoped the value of their homes would increase or at least hold steady. For many, their home is their major investment/nest egg. Then along came the short term rentals., most of them unregulated..bringing along traffic, noise , strangers and the character of the once quiet neighborhoods began to change. Now, a small vocal minority would have us believe that allowing commercial vehicles in the same neighborhoods is essential to supporting their life style. The slippery slope that began with the short term rental is going to get worse. Already, commenters are saying they want to park their boats, their campers, their trailers and whatever else in the same driveway, after all , it is only fair if you are going to let people park their trucks there. Already there are not enough code enforcement personnel to monitor the area. The local politicians, supporting this disastrous proposal should be reminded a vocal minority is not the same as a silent majority…at the polls.
Dennis C Rathsam says
YEAH !!! I Want a Spectrum & a DTV van parked across the street!!!!! WHY, is everything u do is against the tax payer Bring this 2 a vote, we don’t trust the 3 stooges to screw up our city! They all ready done a fine job, addressing the TRAFFIC! And to top it off these carpetbaggers are adding more congestion to sr100! Somebody’s wallet was surely inhanced.
JC says
Tired of it: I am tired of reading your comment that is 100% spelled out as NIMBY. It’s one giant NIMBY post.
Carl K says
JC 😂😂😂 I’m not from New Jersey. I’m a native born Floridian. This is my home.
I’ve never set foot in New Jersey 😂😂🤣. I never will set foot there. You must be from New Jersey. My apologies to you So Sorry I hurt your little feelings.😭NJ stands for Nut Job which there are many of around here.
FYI I was part of the working class in Palm Coast for over 25 years. I suggest you stop your Boo Hooing. You’re the one that needs to go back to New Jersey
Doug says
Why is this coming up now? Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 1203 last year that permitted this through all HOA communities. This has already become a Florida law effective July 1, 2024. If your not familiar with this, you need to look it up. People could have been parking their commercial vehicles in their driveway for over a year. And if they have been written up for it, shame on code enforcement to not knowing what the new law entails.
Dennis C Rathsam says
You know what happend to your freedom, YOU bought a home with rules & regulations. YOU knew what U can do or cant Now YOU aren’t happy! The P/C pamphlet spells it all out. Maybe YOU should read it. Maybe all of you who have a problem should read it. You cant have a safe city without rules & regulations, every place has them, look up the charters. PUT IT TO A VOTE