Parking a Classb

[picklehead]

I don't own a class B yet, but looking to buy soon.

One thing that I'm concerned about is parking (I'm in Toronto. not downtown, but close to it)

I don't have any designated parking at my house and I emailed Toronto's parking department and they told me that Class Bs do not typically qualify for street parking permits.

ughh. what now. Do I need to start asking around local businesses or putting up posters to look for available space??

[Mike]

Assuming it's not a class B on a 24 foot Sprinter (but even if it was), tell them it's a full sized passenger van. That's probably all they need to know. Is there a length restriction? Class B campers generally aren't going to present a width problem in most standard parking spaces, but the length might. Got any friends in the 'burbs with large driveways, or farms, that could help you out?

[mlts22]

Check the parking rules. What makes a class B not qualify? If length is an issue, a RT 170 is small enough to be parked anywhere. If 20 feet is OK, you can get most Chevy vans, perhaps a short Sprinter. 22 feet allows for almost all but the Airstream Interstate EXT and Winnebago ERA models.

[picklehead]

here's their reply

Please note that our Bylaw prohibits the issuance of permits to commercial vehicles (pick up trucks, vans, campers, trailers) unless it is the sole use of family transportation, has a classification of PUO (personal use only) and falls under 3,000 kg and is no longer then 5.2 metres.

Typically Class B Camper vans do not qualify. You will likely need to find alternate parking (i.e neighbouring buildings with spaces for rent, neighbouring homes with driveways/garages, schools, churches, local businesses etc).

you think the roadtrek is over 5.2 metres?/under 3000kg?

<edit> 5.2 metres = 17.0604 ft hmm I think I'll have to cheat the system or look into alternatives. Gotta be a vacant space somewhere close to me.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by picklehead

here's their reply

you think the roadtrek is over 5.2 metres?/under 3000kg?

<edit> 5.2 metres = 17.0604 ft hmm I think I'll have to cheat the system or look into alternatives. Gotta be a vacant space somewhere close to me.

Since when is a "campers" a commercial vehicle? I suppose if it had a business sign on it from your farm, and it was used it in conjunction with hauling livestock across the country, but I doubt it. I think they're quoting you passages from 2 separate bylaws, or they've got some very odd definitions of personal use (campers?) vehicles. I would ask for a facsimile copy of the bylaw which prohibits a class B conversion van from being issued a personal use permit. Maybe check around your area and find another class B parked with a valid permit, and ask them how it qualified (unless it's obviously lightweight and really short). Honestly, I think whoever you spoke with had no idea what you were talking about, and just made that stuff up. Just my opinion, though.

I googled City of Toronto parking.
Maybe have a read....
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/parking/
I only see in the FAQs a mention of "NO" for "can I get a permit for my commercially registered vehicle". No mention of campers, and your Roadtrek or whatever you get, won't be registered as a commercial vehicle. I don't think my Roadtrek MTO registration slip has the length or weight on it anywhere, but I'll have to look.

I would request a PUO vehicle permit and maybe do it online. The procedure is outlined here.
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/onstreet/index.htm
They probably won't notice a couple of feet, and I can't see a bylaw officer playing "guess the weight" of a vehicle that looks like a large passenger van. Looking at the monthly fees, you might be better trying to see if a friend could provide driveway storage for you for longer periods for less money.

Good luck. Let us know what route you take, and how it works out?

[picklehead]

yeah I'll let you know how I end up dealing with this situation,
thanks for looking into this.

I've seen an old Road Trek parked around the corner quite a few times. I might be able to see what they say about this.

[Mike]

I'm thinking they didn't give too many specific details about the vehicle when they applied for their permit. Don't ask, don't tell, strategy.
Good luck.