New Iberia council introduces tighter rules for tire storage, removes outdoor-storage allowance

The City Council introduced Ordinance 2025-30 to regulate storage of tires at tire businesses and set a public hearing for Dec. 2, 2025. The ordinance aims to reduce fire, health and aesthetic problems from loose tire piles by requiring enclosed storage (examples discussed included shipping containers or enclosed trailers) and setting setbacks from property lines unless tires are fully enclosed.

Council members debated a reasonable compliance period (a 12-month grace/education period was discussed and referenced by a council attorney as consistent with prior local court guidance), whether existing businesses should be grandfathered, and what setback should apply (10 feet was proposed for safety; council discussed whether the usual commercial setback of 5 feet should apply for enclosed containers). Several members expressed support for enclosed storage rather than merely hiding tires behind a fence to reduce fire and health risks.

Council heard from local tire dealers who reportedly told a council member they are willing to comply, though dealers also raised that the real delay often comes from collectors who take months to haul away used tires. The mayor said the city will return with proposed penalties for illegal dumping at a future meeting and that staff will refine the ordinance text to require enclosed storage in many cases. Council amended the ordinance to remove the outdoor-storage allowance and voted to introduce the amended measure; penalties (fines and enforcement detail) and the dumping provisions will be discussed at a subsequent meeting.