Port St. Lucie proposes stricter parking rules, higher fines for some violations

PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Port St. Lucie leaders are considering major updates to the city’s parking code — changes that could impact everything from box trucks and trailers to where residents can park in front of their homes.

The proposed ordinance would update Chapter 72 of the city code dealing with vehicle stopping, standing, and parking.

Some of the proposed changes would increase restrictions, while others would loosen rules that residents and city leaders said no longer made sense.

Under the proposal:

parking fines would increase to $50 for most parking violationsCommercial parking violations would increase to $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, and $400 for additional violationsBox trucks would no longer be allowed to park in residential neighborhoodsEnclosed utility trailers parked in backyards would need to be behind a six-foot privacy fence

At the same time, the city is also proposing several exemptions and changes:

Dually trucks with standard truck beds would be allowed in residential areasCommercial lettering on enclosed trailers would no longer violate city codeLarger open utility trailers would be allowed

City staff said the goal is to improve neighborhood appearance and safety as Port St. Lucie continues to grow.

See also: Seven injured after pickup truck crashes into Palm Tran Bus in Wellington

Officials also clarified some commonly misunderstood rules.

Residents would still be allowed to park on swales under certain conditions, including parking with the flow of traffic and staying at least 12 inches from the roadway.

The city also said the proposed rules would focus heavily on education before enforcement begins.

If approved, Port St. Lucie plans to launch a six-month education and outreach campaign before actively enforcing the updated rules.

One Port St. Lucie homeowner who spoke at Monday’s meeting said the proposed changes could significantly impact residents who store boats and trailers on their property.

Buddy Prause, who co-owns the lot next to his home, said he has stored boats and trailers there for years and worries the city is now enforcing rules that had not previously been an issue for him.

“It feels like we’re moving into an HOA,” Prause said during an interview with CBS12 News. “That’s the reason I moved into this neighborhood 15 years ago. It was because I didn’t want to be in an HOA.”

Prause said he believes complying with the changes could cost thousands of dollars between fencing, storage, and moving boats to other locations.

“My ask is simple,” Prause told the city council members. “Can we postpone passing these amendments for a year, give the people a chance to save the money to build a fence, figure out how they’re going to sell their property, how they’re going to move stuff around.”

City officials said the ordinance itself is not new and that restrictions on storing boats and trailers on vacant residential lots have existed in the city code for decades.

Officials also said the proposed ordinance changes are intended to address complaints about overcrowded properties, trailers, and commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods.

City leaders first discussed the ordinance during a reading in April. The item was returned for a second reading on Monday, where it was approved.