*PLEASE PRESS ANY SHARE BUTTONS TO SHARE.

***** DO NOT DONATE! - We are NOT asking for donations and do not need donations for this effort. The Donation Ask that pops up here, is for the website "iPetitions.com" which is the host for this petition. We do not get any of those donations and did NOT ask and are NOT asking for any donations for this effort. If you donate, you are donating to their website, not this cause. I have had a few neighbors inquire about this.

Please only sign if you live in the "Isle of Palms Special District" with a waterfront home.

ATTN ISLE OF PALMS RESIDENTS. I am proposing this petition due to recent events. For the city council to consider this petition, we need 60% of residents to sign and agree with this petition. I would prefer we get closer to 80% in agreement, so with roughly 468 homes, on the water, that is around 300 owners signatures we need (60% with some overhead). Once we reach that number, we are able to submit the petition to the city for consideration. Thank you for your consideration.

PETITION CONTENT

I am writing this petition to request a waiver of the Ordinance 656.409 - WHICH READS (Boats, boat trailers, horse trailers or any other trailer and recreational vehicles may be parked or stored in a required rear or side yard but not in required front yards, provided however, that these vehicles may be parked anywhere on residential premises not to exceed 24 hours during loading and unloading.) and any Ordinance related to BOAT trailer parking in driveways, some distance from the centerline of the road, or related Ordinances within the Isle of Palms Special District.

REVISED 5/23/23 10:50pm - (Due to feedback and concerns this section was added for clarity and specificity)

Specifically, we are formally requesting an exemption for the section of the ordinance pertaining to the presence of BOAT/WATERCRAFT TRAILERS and BOATS/WATERCRAFT within property driveways and side yards, regardless of their proximity to the center of the street (within 20 feet or otherwise). Several homeowners in the neighborhood have driveways specifically designed for their boat trailers, which have been a longstanding feature in the community. Surprisingly, these driveways were found to be non-compliant with the ordinance requirements, while parking trailers parallel to ones home, across the front lawn, was deemed acceptable. One neighbor was told this first hand by the city official, while receiving a warning citation. This situation is highly unreasonable and would significantly diminish property values, contrary to the status quo that has been in place for many years.

As a concerned resident and property owner within the district, I believe that the current ordinance poses unnecessary restrictions and hardships on the community. I would like to present the following reasons for seeking a waiver:

1. Unique Characteristics of the Special District: The Isle of Palms Special District is distinctively characterized by its navigable canals, with nearly 90% of homes owning boats and trailers. This fact alone designates our neighborhood as a "Special District" with specific needs and considerations related to boat ownership and maintenance.
2. Regular Boat Maintenance: As boat owners in the district, we frequently need to pull our boats out of the water for maintenance and upkeep. This involves using trailers and temporarily storing them in streets in front of our homes, side yards, or driveways. Throughout my 25 years of residency at this address, I have never received any tickets or complaints regarding these practices, nor have I heard of any from fellow residents. Furthermore, recent supply chain issues, employment issues and other things are requiring extended waits for some parts and to even get your boat in for maintenance, thus sometimes leaving a boat/trailer sitting for a week or more.
3. Recent Citations: In recent times, some of our neighbors have received citations for having trailers in their own yards or driveways, despite the long-standing practices of the community. One such citation was issued less than 24 hours after the trailer was parked in the owners driveway, anticipating annual maintenance. This sudden change in enforcement has created confusion and hardship for residents.
4. Limited Space and Historical Context: Many homes in the Isle of Palms Special District were built in the 1970s and have small lots with limited space for storing trailers and boats. Given that all homes are located on navigable water and already have docks, lifts, and other waterfront amenities, it is crucial to consider the unique circumstances of our neighborhood when enforcing regulations related to trailer parking.
5. Absence of Homeowners' Association (HOA): The Isle of Palms Special District does not have an HOA or other covenants and restrictions. The residents have intentionally chosen not to establish an HOA to avoid extraneous rules and limitations. We value the autonomy and freedom that comes with responsible boat ownership while maintaining the overall appeal and property values of our community.
6. Community Growth and Contribution: Our community has experienced growth and continues to attract new residents and increasing home values (Isle of Palms is one of the fastest areas of increasing value in Jacksonville), fostering economic development and growth within the city. It is essential to strike a balance between increasing property values and preserving the natural uses of our homes and waterfront properties, which have been significant factors in our community's appeal.
7. Considering the unique circumstances, the long-standing practices of the community, and the absence of an HOA, I kindly request that you grant a waiver of the aforementioned ordinance within the Isle of Palms Special District. Such a waiver would ensure that our residents are not burdened with unnecessary rules and restrictions that hinder their ability to enjoy their homes and waterfront properties responsibly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a favorable response. Should you require any further information or need to discuss this matter in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me using the provided contact details.