§ 69.15. OFF-STREET PARKING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND ON RECREATIONAL TRAILS.

1. Definitions. For use in this section, the following terms are defined:

A. All-weather surface: shall mean an asphalt, Portland cement concrete, turf blocks, or brick pavers of sufficient thickness to adequately support motor vehicles.

B. Front Yard Area: shall mean all that area between the front property line and a line drawn along the front face or faces of the primary structure on the property and extended to the side property lines.

C. Hike/Bike Trail (recreational trails): shall mean any eight (8) foot or wider paved trail constructed by the City of Carroll for walking, biking and other recreational purposes.

D. Motor Vehicle and Vehicles shall mean any motor vehicle as defined in Iowa Code, Chapter 321.1, or other vehicles, including the following:

All-terrain Vehicles

Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer

Motorized Bicycle

Motorcycle

Motor home

Tractors or farm machinery

Travel trailer

Trailer

Watercraft (any type)

E. Side Yard Corner Lots: shall mean the yard area adjacent to the street right-of-way on a corner lot extending from the front yard along the side of the structure to the rear property line.

F. Side Yard: shall mean the yard area adjacent to the residential structure, but not adjacent to the street right-of-way, extending from the front yard along the side of the structure to the rear property line.

2. Prohibited Parking.

No person shall cause, undertake, permit or allow the outside parking and storage of vehicles on property used for residential purposes and/or on residentially zoned property unless it complies with the following requirements:

Front yard or side yard, corner lots: Vehicles which are parked or stored outside in any front yard, or any side yard of corner lot areas must be on an all-weather surface driveway which shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the front yard of any lot or the side yard of a corner lot. Driveways exceeding forty percent (40%) of the front yard of any lot or the side yard of a corner lot prior to the adoption of this section are exempt provided no additional surface area is added. This provision, however, shall not prevent the construction of hard surface paving to access the garage(s) for multiple attached dwellings, provided the design is approved by City building officials.

Exceptions: During emergency snow removal operations (when snow ordinance is in effect), vehicles may be parked in a manner whereas the entire vehicle may be parked in any portion of a residentially zoned property or any property used for residential purposes. Said vehicles must then be moved to normal parking (all-weather surface) within twenty-four (24) hours following the cancellation of the snow ordinance.

Side yards: Parking of all vehicles, including licensed and operable vehicles, must be parked in a permanent roofed structure or on an all-weather surface when parked in a side yard. Such all-weather surface in a side-yard must be connected to a driveway leading from an approved curb drop or entrance which also consists of an all-weather surface. The vehicle wheels and any component touching the ground must be located entirely on, and directly above the appropriate surface.

Rear yards: Parking for recreational vehicles, travel trailers, trailers, boats, snowmobiles, and other such recreational vehicles may occur on grass surfaces in rear yards.

Recreational Trails: No person shall cause the parking of vehicles on any recreational trails.

Declaration of Nuisance. The outside parking and storage of motor vehicles and vehicles as defined above, on property used for residential purposes and/or residentially zoned property, in violation of the requirements set forth in this section, is declared to be a public nuisance because it (a) obstructs views on streets and private property, (b) creates cluttered and otherwise unsightly areas, (c) prevents full use of residential streets for residential parking, (d) decreases adjoining landowners' and occupants' enjoyment of their property and neighborhood, and (e) otherwise adversely affects property values and neighborhood patterns. Any violation of this section may be abated in the manner provided for in Chapter 50, Code of Ordinances or Chapter 657 of the Code of Iowa, or may be enforced under Chapter 4, Municipal Infractions, Code of Ordinances.

The violation may also be enforceable with a parking ticket, with a simple notice of fine of $10.00.

(Ord. 1404 - Jul. 14 Supp.)