ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The City of St. Petersburg is cracking down on vans and oversized vehicles being used as homes in the city. The city says it is receiving complaints from residents, especially concerning where people are parking their mobile van homes.

It's culminated in a new citywide ordinance, bringing new restrictions on where these vehicles can and can't park and for how long.

“They definitely want to limit parking everywhere because everyone is going to want to do this; rent is through the roof,” said Robert Ellis, who lives in a van with his girlfriend and dog.

He arrived in St. Petersburg just a couple of days ago, learning there are new rules in place for van life residents like him. Those rules include a four-hour parking limit Monday through Thursday when parked adjacent to residential areas, as well as limits to the size of some vehicles allowed.

Residents in St. Petersburg near North Shore Park say oversized vehicles have been an eyesore for months on end.

Ellis says he's committed to sticking to the rules in each city he travels to.

“We follow the rules; I mean, we hang out at the parks and beaches, then it's legally allowed to be there,” he said. “Every year is different; we travel around the country.”

They pick up odd jobs along the way, but one job that travels with them is jewelry. Ellis makes and sells it year-round.

“This is good for now, but I travel with my tools so I can find drywall work anywhere,” he said.

Ellis is now thinking of staying in St. Petersburg for a while, soaking up the sun, and respecting the new rules.

The ordinance goes into effect on Monday, and those who don't follow the four-hour parking limit will be fined a $35 parking ticket.