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Down Home Auto owner permitted to erect fence; council warns about unregistered, inoperable vehicles
Summary
Council allowed Down Home Auto owner Ashton Traphagen to build a six-foot privacy fence but discussed long-standing issues with inoperable or unregistered vehicles, potential nuisance findings, and legal obligations for vehicles on city streets; the city attorney advised abatement to avoid municipal court.
The Carbondale City Council on Sept. 16 approved a request by Ashton Traphagen of Down Home Auto to install a six-foot privacy fence along the back side of the building, after discussion about sightlines from the alley and the fence’s location.
Traphagen updated the council on his building repairs, cafe renovations and plans to open a café by the end of 2024. He said some customers leave vehicles on the property; he described about 90% of cars there as overflow customer vehicles and said abandoned cars require state processes before disposal.
Council members and Attorney Barnes pressed for compliance with city ordinances. Barnes noted that inoperable or unregistered vehicles on public streets or properties can constitute nuisance vehicles, may violate state law, and could lead to municipal court if not abated. The clerk provided Traphagen a copy of the relevant ordinance and recommended screening for nuisance vehicles. The council emphasized vehicles parked on city streets must be current on registration and operable.
Traphagen said some overflow parking is on property near the vet clinic and that he would remove a truck bed and mattress from a lot. Council members complimented visible property improvements but reiterated the need to resolve lingering nuisance issues.
Why it matters: The fence approval allows continued business improvements but the council’s enforcement comments underscore ongoing code-compliance concerns about nuisance vehicles and public-safety and sanitation risks that could prompt inspections or court action if not addressed.
