Back in the '60s, Coral Gables banned pickup trucks from being parked outside in residential neighborhoods and has stubbornly defended the zoning law ever since. But could a new era of pickup truck freedom dawn in the City Beautiful? Well, maybe, but the city continues to drag its feet, and last night the city's zoning board failed to reach a decision on whether to modify or abolish the rule.
Today, pickup trucks are banned from being parked outside in the city and must be stashed in garages. Trucks can't even be kept in private driveways. Commercial trucks are an exception, but only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Violators receive a warning and then get fined for subsequent infractions. Fines start at $100 a day and can reach as high as $500 a day for repeat offenders. There's some mighty expensive parking throughout Miami-Dade, but that's just kind of ridiculous.
Last night the zoning board held a public hearing to discuss the matter but failed to reach a decision, according to CBS Miami. Supporters say the rule keeps the city looking classy and keeps property values up. Detractors says its an outdated, elitist rule and that pickup trucks are no longer used for only commercial reasons.
Outsiders think it's actually kind of ridiculous that this debate is still going on. Just let the pickup trucks be free already.
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