WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — The citizens of Washington Court House might benefit from additional information provided by the city regarding the newly-enacted ordinance prohibiting parking on residential front lawns.
The five specific reasons quoted in the new ordinance are the following:
*Safety hazards: parking of vehicles and equipment on residential properties can obstruct visibility for pedestrians and motorists, leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
*Aesthetic degradation: The presence of parked vehicles and equipment in residential areas can detract from the visual appeal of neighborhoods, diminishing property values and community pride.
*Environmental impact: Improperly parked vehicles and equipment can leak fluids such as oil and coolant, polluting the soil and groundwater, and contributing to environmental degradation.
*Noise disturbance: Certain types of equipment parked on residential properties, such as generators or construction machinery, can generate noise pollution, disrupting the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.
*Traffic congestion: Excessive parking of vehicles and equipment in residential areas can lead to congestion on narrow streets, impeding the flow of traffic and causing inconvenience to residents and visitors alike.
The ordinance states the following:
(a) No automobile, motorcycle or other motor vehicle, trailer, construction equipment shall be parked or remain on any non-parking or non-driveway portion of the yard of any residential or multi-family zoned lot for longer than 48 hours. All motorized vehicles and or trailers shall be parked/kept only on an improved hard surface such as concrete, asphalt or gravel. Such surfaces shall encompass the entire vehicle or trailer. All vehicles or trailers parked in parking areas or driveways shall bear the current registration or license plates as required by the Ohio Revised Code.
(b) This section shall not apply during times of emergency due to acts of nature, or during the time that a resident is in the process of moving in or out of the premises.
And, (c) Whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
As a possible interpretation, this ban only affects front lawns, or the frontal area, of a city residence. It is stated as 48 continuous hours at a time, pursuant to (a) above. If a car or cars are parked on a front yard for a single event, such as a party, for one day, this ordinance does not apply. A vehicle must be moved, driven, or utilized before the 48 continuous time frame to be compliant. There have been continuous incidents within the city that received numerous complaints, therefore, the issue was addressed by council.
