I am a resident of Sebastian and recently purchased a boat after my retirement which I parked in my driveway. My wife, friends, family and children have enjoyed the boat but much to my dismay I was informed by Code Enforcement that it was a violation of Sebastian City Ordinance ( 54-2-7-13 (4) ) to park it in my own driveway. Through city staff, I further found that I basically had three choices; install an additional driveway on the side of my residence to correctly elevate and eliminate tilt for several thousand dollars, purchase an empty lot for tens of thousands or store it at a facility for approximately 125.00 dollars per month. None of the staff members could site a legitimate public safety concern for the ordinance or other public benefit for this ordinance.

While I understand the need for ordinances to ensure the well-being of a community, I also disapprove of overly restrictive ordinances which cause an undue and punishing economic hardship upon homeowners with no tangible benefit. This ordinance is in direct contrast to the heritage of Sebastian which started as a fishing village, received a grant to assist in creating a “working waterfront” and is renowned for recreational fishing. This ordinance also disproportionately impacts Sebastian residents who are retired or are in the middle to lower economic class which comprises most of Sebastian. According to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates provided by the United States Census Bureau, Sebastian residents have a Median Household Income of 49,655 per year. It should also be noted that Indian River County does not impose this small boat and RV restriction upon its residents and that a restriction this stringent is normally only seen in deed restricted gated communities.

In conclusion, I am organizing the residents of the city of Sebastian to approach the city council to revise city ordinance 54-2-7,13(b)(4) to allow residents to park their boat or RV in their own existing driveway. We are not asking that they eliminate the ordinance but rather revise it to allow regular licensed and seaworthy watercraft on trailers in designated driveways as well as recreational vehicles allowing the residents of Sebastian to not suffer an undue economic hardship. Joining the fight costs nothing! I just ask that you show up at the meetings with your families at the City Council meetings to support the effort. You can watch the calendar on this page, Facebook or add your email to our list which will only be used for meeting notification. You can also email the the entire current council at council@cityofsebastian.org. If you do not attend the meetings and address the City Council this change will not occur! Visible and written support for this change is required by the City Council before they will move forward! Now is the time to stand up! If you have any questions or want to volunteer to play a larger role in revision of this code please email me at Sebastianrecowners@gmail.com. Thanks for your time and support of positive change!