Bloomfield council approves first reading to tighten parking rules, directs clearer driveway definitions

The Bloomfield City Council voted to approve the first reading of an amendment to Chapter 69 of the city code to clarify parking restrictions and establish penalties, and directed staff to refine the ordinance's language on what qualifies as a formal driveway.

Council members opened a public hearing on the draft ordinance, heard concerns from residents and councilmembers about gravel driveways and properties that lack a bordered/recognized driveway, and asked staff to prepare amended wording for the second reading. Concerns centered on whether older or informal gravel driveways would be grandfathered, how to define a "formal" driveway, and how enforcement would be handled for properties without concrete borders.

Council members said the goal is to make the standard clear and enforceable while avoiding unintended penalties for long‑standing driveways. Staff advised amending the first-reading approval with specific wording changes so the city clerk (Gayla) could update the ordinance text before the second reading. The council set Jan. 1, 2025, as the ordinance effective date and discussed the need for publicity so residents understand new requirements and penalty amounts.

The motion for first reading—moved by Jake and seconded by Earl—passed unanimously. The council directed staff to return next meeting with revised language to clarify terms such as "formal/recognized driveway" and to align penalty amounts with existing ticket schedules.

The council did not adopt a final ordinance at this meeting; final action will occur at second reading after staff revisions and public notice.