Ordinance adds 'trail' to parking ban; council unanimously suspends rules and adopts on first reading

Lebanon — The Lebanon City Council on Sept. 22 adopted Ordinance 2025-31, an amendment to Chapter 72 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) of the city code, adding the word “trail” to Section 72.05(B) so police may enforce parking prohibitions on trail areas adjoining rights-of-way.

City staff explained the amendment is intended to address parking on newly expanded trail segments in residential areas and to make enforcement clear for the police department. The ordinance replaces and amends Section 72.05(B) so that it is unlawful to park or leave standing a vehicle on lawns, sidewalks, trails, the space between the sidewalk and curb and gutter, or on any street, and it preserves the existing exceptions where a five-foot passageway must be provided where no curb exists.

Staff said incidents of parking on trails are occurring presently, which prompted the request. The presenter asked the council to consider waiving the second reading so enforcement could begin; the council moved to suspend the rules, and the vote to suspend and adopt required and received unanimous support. After suspension, the council voted to approve Ordinance 2025-31. No amendments were recorded and no public comments were made during the required hearing.

Council commentary noted the change is straightforward and largely technical: adding a particular location type (trail) clarifies enforceability under existing parking regulations. The ordinance’s text as read at the meeting retained all other provisions of Chapter 72.05.