City council approves first reading to allow one unlicensed vehicle on residential lots; residents press for enforcement clarity

The City Council approved the first reading of an amendment to the city's 2021 property maintenance code to allow one unlicensed or inoperable motor vehicle on residential property, a change supporters said would preserve local hobby and derby-car culture while critics sought clarity on enforcement and jurisdiction. The measure amends section 302.8 of the property maintenance code to allow a single unlicensed vehicle where the current code had prohibited them.

The first reading was approved after a motion and second; council members did not adopt a final ordinance at the meeting. City Administrator said the vote was an initial step and that the change would return for a later final vote. The city's staff and legal counsel answered procedural questions during the public comment period.

The ordinance drew extended public comment from neighborhood residents who said classic and project cars are a long-standing local pastime tied to community events such as the Delta Fair. "We have had derby cars," said Miss Shepherd, who gave her address as 2802 Neal Street and said she has lived in the area 35 years. "If I'm gonna be ticketed, then I want city water'so I can build my son a shop," she said, describing frustration over enforcement and whether her property lies in the city or county.

Resident Jeff Layton said the hobby keeps young people occupied and should be tolerated: "I'd rather neighbors throw a fit about a kid getting out there and getting involved in the sport than running these streets," he said. Layton asked whether covered cars or fences would meet the ordinance's limits if the council allows one unlicensed vehicle.

A staff member responding to those concerns said, "We can only write tickets for what we can see from the public way," signaling that vehicles hidden behind fences or tarps and not visible from public rights-of-way would not form the basis for enforcement actions. Officials also told speakers the first reading does not itself change enforcement; the change would be effective only if and when the council adopts subsequent required readings.

Speakers raised recurring questions about properties that cross municipal boundaries. Several residents said portions of their lots are in county jurisdiction while houses sit within city limits, and they urged the city to consider that when enforcing vehicle and property rules. City Administrator and legal staff suggested residents meet with city staff after the meeting to clarify parcel lines and enforcement options.

The council intends to schedule a second reading on a future agenda before any final adoption.

Less-critical items discussed alongside the ordinance included routine procedural remarks and scheduling; the vehicle-code change and the related public comment occupied the bulk of the meeting's public engagement segment.