RV In Driveway? Split Darien Council Says No

DARIEN, IL – Darien officials on Monday rejected a woman's request for a recreational vehicle in her driveway, saying they didn't want to create a precedent.

The city allows RVs to be parked on paved surfaces in back and side yards, but not in the front. The City Council can make exceptions.

Cynthia Haney, who lives in the 1000 block of Juniper Lane, had requested an exception.

She contended that mature pine trees on both sides of the driveway largely screen the RV from public view. And for various reasons, the back and side do not work, she said.

Her neighbors were divided on the issue.

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said that in Haney's case, the driveway is a better place because of the trees, while the allowable spot in the side yard is more visible to everybody.

She noted the city's approval would be conditioned on the trees remaining and the RV being no longer than 25 feet.

"It's a good compromise," she said.

Alderman Ted Schauer said he was elected to the council in 2009, a year after the RV regulation took effect.

He said he never liked the rule. After it was enacted, the council repeatedly denied requests for RVs in driveways. Doing otherwise, he said, would have opened "a can of worms." That's why he said he opposed an exception.

Alderman Ralph Stompanato sounded similar notes. He said he drove down Juniper Lane, hoping that he would barely notice the RV, so he could approve the exception. But he said it was easily observable.

If the council made an exception, Stompanato said, then other residents would approach the city with RV requests, pointing out bushes they planted and asking, "How come I can't have it and other people can?"

The council voted 4-2 against Haney's request. Dissenting were Sullivan and Alderman Joe Kenny.