Parking on Residential Property

The primary function of yards on residential lots is to provide access to light and air and to provide circulation, recreation, and landscaping. It is the intent of this section to establish standards by which parking vehicles on residential lots is allowable. The parking or storage of vehicles on residential lots in violation of the following standards shall be considered a nuisance, and subject to penalties in accordance with Chapter 8.30.060.

Intact, operable, and appropriately licensed vehicles may be parked or stored outside an approved structure subject to the following conditions:

 Parking of vehicles on residential lots in the side and rear yard areas shall be limited to those lots which have legal access from the adjacent street or alley. Parking in side and rear yard areas combined shall be limited to up to four vehicles or to no more than 40 percent of the combined side and rear yard area, whichever is less. In addition, vehicles may be parked in a side or rear yard only if the following conditions are met:

All vehicles parked in a side yard must have a minimum of three feet of unobstructed space between the vehicle and any structure and have a minimum of five feet vehicle-clear space from the side property lines.

 Where alley access is available, parking in the front yard is prohibited. Parking of vehicles on residential lots in the front yard shall be permitted only to those lots which have legal access from the adjacent street or alley. Parking of vehicles shall be on a properly prepared all-weather surface, including, but not limited to, concrete, asphalt, gravel, approved permeable paving materials, or other material approved by the Building Official. The all-weather surface shall be limited to no more than 40 percent of the front yard area. Parking in front yard areas shall be limited to up to four vehicles or the number of vehicles which can be parked on the all-weather surfacing, whichever is less. Parking of stored or inoperable vehicles in front yards is prohibited.

No more than four vehicles of any kind may be parked in a back yard.

All vehicles parked in a side or back are on an improved or maintained surface.

Leaving vehicles unattended on blocks, jacks, ramps or otherwise elevated above the ground in an unstable manner is prohibited.

 No more than two recreational vehicles of any kind may be parked anywhere on a property. Storing boats, campers or other recreation or accessory vehicles in an unstable manner is prohibited.

 Junk vehicles are defined in Chapter 8.05 and are subject to the provisions contained therein. In addition, junk or inoperable vehicles are prohibited from being stored outside of an approved enclosed structure anywhere on a property in excess of 30 days.

 Inoperable stored vehicles on residential lots shall be limited to the rear yard area. Screening shall be provided between the inoperable vehicles and adjacent properties or rights-of-way. All stored vehicles must be maintained in a clear and safe manner.