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Kennett council approves ordinance limiting unlicensed, inoperable vehicles on residential property
Summary
The Kennett City Council approved an amendment to the 2021 property maintenance code to restrict unlicensed or inoperable vehicles on residential property, requiring active maintenance or physical work and barring vehicles left idle for more than 12 consecutive months.
The Kennett City Council approved on second reading an amendment to the city's 2021 property maintenance code that restricts keeping unlicensed or inoperable motor vehicles on residential property. The ordinance allows a limited exception only for vehicles that are actively maintained or physically worked on and bars vehicles that remain idle or untouched for more than 12 consecutive months.
City Clerk Terry said the key change deletes a prior list of permitted uses and replaces it with a single standard: "The vehicle must be actively maintained or physically worked on. The vehicle may not remain idle or untouched for more than 12 consecutive months." The reading on the council floor clarified that the revision applies to residential properties; separate provisions still govern commercial salvage, towing or storage facilities and licensed mechanics.
Councilmembers asked questions about enforcement and visibility from the street, including whether a tarp would meet the standard. During debate, staff and council members said the ordinance does not permit open storage that is visible from adjacent public or private property, though enclosed storage within locked buildings or fenced areas that are not visible remains exempt. One councilmember noted that commercial properties that operate as licensed mechanic or body shops remain subject to business-license and zoning requirements and are treated differently under the code.
The council completed a roll call on the second reading and the motion passed. Council members debated language changes at the dais before the reading and confirmed the residential-only limitation had been added to the amendment. The council directed that the ordinance move forward under the city's standard adoption schedule and enforcement procedures.
The ordinance change narrows exceptions and gives code enforcement clearer standards to pursue complaints, council members said. City staff indicated that enforcement will proceed in response to complaints and follow the city's inspection schedule.
