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Council discusses clarifying towing rule to bill owners in signed tow-away zones
Summary
Council members reviewed a proposed amendment to municipal code 7.12 to make clear that owners of vehicles parked illegally in posted tow-away zones can be charged towing and storage costs; signage limits the measure's reach, and routine short-term overparking (e.g., two-hour ramp) would not trigger towing under the draft.
The Waukesha Common Council discussed an amendment to municipal code 7.12 on Dec. 3 intended to clarify that owners of illegally parked vehicles in posted zones may be charged for towing and storage.
Committee members said the change responds to ambiguity in a prior ordinance that focused on chronic scofflaws with multiple unpaid tickets. The amendment would allow towing and charging of owners when vehicles are parked in locations clearly signed as tow-away zones. City staff emphasized that routine short-term overparking — such as exceeding a two-hour ramp limit — would remain ticketable but would not automatically produce towing unless the spot is posted as a tow-away area.
Aldermen asked whether private property towing differs; staff explained state statute chapter 349 allows private property owners to post no-parking signs and have vehicles towed under a separate statutory provision. Council members were invited to discuss further with staff and O&L; no final vote was taken on Dec. 3 and the item will return to a future agenda.
What happens next: staff said they will return this item on the next agenda after further review and consultation with O&L and staff from the municipal parking group.
