City staff led a broad discussion of proposed or recently adopted changes to Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances on parking and vehicles, focusing on (1) vehicles parked for sale, (2) oversized commercial vehicles, trailers and boats in residential zones, and (3) vehicles parked on yards or grass. The session was an initial, informal review to gather council direction before staff prepares formal ordinance drafts.

Planning and code staff member Crystal said the city adopted a vehicles-for-sale provision in March 2025 to address multiple vehicles or trailers being parked for sale on commercial and non–auto-related properties; the provision allows a single privately owned vehicle for sale at a residence but limits commercial locations unless a special use permit (SUP) is obtained. Staff noted enforcement challenges: each vehicle can generate a separate case, vehicles turnover quickly, and SUP fees and the application process have drawn council concern.

Councilmembers said they want enforcement that is fair and practicable. Councilmember Hancock and others said they do not oppose a rule that limits multiple cars-for-sale at strip centers or multi-tenant properties but objected to creating undue cost or red tape for small property owners. Suggestions from council included exempting property owners’ own business vehicles, limiting the number of vehicles a commercial property could have for sale without an SUP (several suggested two), and allowing residential owners to sell a single car from a driveway.

Staff also reviewed the city’s ordinance on oversized commercial vehicles, boats and RVs in residential zones (adopted in 2023). The ordinance currently requires that RVs, trailers and boats parked at residences be in side or back yards and not forward of the front of the house; staff and council discussed corner lots and how driveway location and front-door orientation affect enforcement. Council asked staff to consider clarifying language so that corner-lot driveways and side-yard parking are treated consistently.

On yard parking, staff explained there is presently no universal rule prohibiting vehicles on grass in front yards and that enforcement resources are limited. Council discussed equity and practicality: some older neighborhoods lack driveways and residents rely on grassy areas for parking. Several members said they favor a rule to prohibit parking on grass in front yards where a formal driveway or approved parking surface exists, but they asked staff to present concrete examples (drawings or photos) and options from comparable cities before any formal ordinance is drafted.

Staff cautioned that code enforcement capacity is limited and that a comprehensive enforcement effort would be phased; one staff member said code inspectors have hundreds of ongoing cases and could not immediately pursue all instances citywide. Council directed staff to return with draft language and illustrative scenarios and to bring the rest of the council into the discussion before taking enforcement actions. No ordinance changes were adopted at the meeting.