Council directs staff to draft ordinance text limiting visible covered inoperable vehicles

Staff presented options to clarify where car-covered inoperable vehicles may be stored so that covered project or wrecked vehicles do not remain prominently visible in front of homes. The current ordinance allows inoperable vehicles to be stored in a garage or barn and allows car covers as a compliance option but does not specify placement on the property.

The proposed textual clarification discussed would require that a vehicle covered under the ordinance be stored behind the front elevation of the house (for example, in the side yard or driveway behind the front face) rather than directly in front of the residence. Staff noted other compliance elements remain: tires must be inflated and covers must be proper car covers (not tarps) and kept in good condition.

Council members and staff discussed enforcement implications and whether the change would make enforcement easier or harder; code staff said it would not increase difficulty. A show of support in the meeting suggested at least four council members in favor of staff returning with a draft ordinance. Staff will bring proposed language back for a formal council hearing and possible vote.