Sellersburg council OKs first reading of ordinance to limit street parking that blocks travel path

The Town of Sellersburg Town Council on June 23 approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-OR-013, an amendment to Chapter 72 of the town code that would prohibit stopping, standing or parking a vehicle on public streets if the parked vehicle narrows the travel path to less than 12 feet.

Council President K introduced the ordinance, saying the change responds to complaints from residents in older neighborhoods such as Atkins Court and Sharps Lane, where parked vehicles can leave insufficient space for emergency vehicles. "If people are parked on the streets, they cannot limit the width of the roadway down to less than 12 feet," K said during the meeting.

The ordinance would leave street parking generally legal but gives the town a measurable standard for enforcement when parked vehicles make a roadway impassable for emergency response. Town manager Charlie and speakers at the meeting described specific neighborhood problems: narrow pavement, water meters and landscaping that reduce usable travel width, and events where multiple visitors park on both sides of the street. Chief Wills (Police chief) joined the discussion by phone and described repeated calls for officers to respond to solicitors and parking issues; council members said enforcement should be consistent across neighborhoods.

Council members and residents asked practical questions about measurement and enforcement. Charlie explained the standard is the vehicular travel path; the ordinance text states the travel path cannot be narrowed to less than 12 feet by parked vehicles. A councilor noted that asking officers to measure widths with a tape measure at every call is unrealistic; others suggested signage, public education and consistent application of the rule. Several speakers said the amendment is intended to address exceptions rather than common roads that safely allow on-street parking.

Councilor Scott moved and Councilor Matt seconded the motion to approve the ordinance on first reading; the council approved the motion by voice vote and agreed to return the item for further consideration and a second reading at the next meeting in two weeks.

The council did not set formal measurement protocols in the ordinance's first reading; staff and council asked to collect more local information and suggested marking or signage in affected areas before final adoption. The ordinance text presented at the meeting adds language to 72.12 (street parking) and a penalty cross-reference to 72.9; it says the 12-foot measurement may be taken from side mirrors or the "farthest points" of parked vehicles or otherwise to protect the travel path for emergency responders.

Council members invited residents on Sharps Lane and Atkins Court to review the draft, and the council scheduled a second hearing for the ordinance at its next regular meeting.

Residents and officials said enforcement should be even-handed and that signage, public notice and a measured rollout could reduce conflict. The council did not adopt final enforcement guidance at first reading and will revisit the ordinance for technical clarifications and public comment.