Miramar tightens rules as RV living spreads in neighborhoods. Here’s what to know
If you’re using an RV for camping, Miramar officials say you have nothing to worry about.
But if you’re using one as a home in a residential neighborhood, the city is cracking down.
Miramar commissioners approved a new ordinance Wednesday night aimed at stopping the growing practice of people living in recreational vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods.
The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne, passed on second reading 5-0 on June 3, amending the city’s parking regulations to strengthen enforcement of rules governing RVs.
“This measure was needed to protect the character, safety and quality of life within residential neighborhoods,” Colbourne said.
The new regulations will become part of the city’s code and give enforcement officers additional tools to address illegal RV living in neighborhoods.
Colbourne said she pushed for the amendment in response to complaints about the subletting of RVs, often accompanied by makeshift plumbing that was attracting rats and other animals.
In a section of Historic Miramar, about 80 RVs were suspected of being used as homes, especially during the recent housing crisis.
City staff told commissioners that existing regulations had long been circumvented, creating concerns about overcrowding, parking congestion and increased demands on utilities and city services.
The amendment establishes clear standards for the storage and use of recreational vehicles and creates a registration process to improve accountability and enforcement throughout the city, along with fines for violators.
Police and city officials said the practice has resulted in unaccounted-for increases in the number of people living at some single-family homes, leading to additional police calls for service and placing strain on residential infrastructure.
Some residents who own RVs for legitimate recreational use attended the commission meeting, fearing they would be unfairly fined.
“If you are not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about,” Colbourne reassured them.
The message is clear: Miramar is not banning RVs. It is cracking down on people using them as homes.
Here’s what the new ordinance will do:
- A $300 fine for violations involving unauthorized RV occupancy.
- A requirement that RVs display current license plates and registration visible from the street.
- A requirement that RV owners register their vehicles with the city.
- A signed affidavit from RV owners stating the vehicle will not be used for occupancy in violation of city regulations.
- Authority for city inspectors to request access to properties to determine whether RVs are being used unlawfully.
- Penalties for property owners or tenants who refuse access for inspections after reasonable notice.
The changes also bring Miramar more in line with neighboring municipalities that have adopted similar regulations. City staff noted that Hialeah and Miami Gardens reported improved compliance after implementing comparable RV ordinances.
