County man sues over recreational vehicle
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Turner

A resident of Falling Creek Farms is suing the Chesterfield Planning Commission because it denied his request to park a recreational vehicle in his driveway. Haifez Mohamed, who lives in the 4000 block of Sheringham Road, wants legal approval to park his RV in his driveway and for the county to pay his attorney's fees and court costs.

A Chesterfield ordinance prohibits recreational vehicles and boats from being parked in driveways. In his suit in Chesterfield Circuit Court, he alleged that parking recreational vehicles in driveways is widespread in his neighborhood.

After being notified by an unnamed neighbor, Chesterfield County sent a zoning inspector to investigate, and Mohamed was subsequently cited. The planning staff recommended Mohamed receive a waiver, but on Dec. 14, the commission turned down his request.

"The staff makes recommendations to the planning commission based on our practices, policies and procedures," said Planning Director Kirk Turner. "The commission can base its decision on other factors and often does."

Residents can park their RVs on the street unless they block access for other vehicles. "We have no jurisdiction there," said Turner.