Council adopts ordinance requiring active insurance for vehicles parked on public streets; establishes administrative penalties

The council adopted changes to Chapter 28 of city code to require that vehicles parked or standing on public streets, alleys or parkways must have active insurance and to create an administrative process for parking violations. Police staff explained that the change would allow the city to pursue an administrative civil penalty instead of a criminal citation and to use towing or immobilization for repeat violators.

"It shall be unlawful for any person to leave a vehicle parked ... without having active insurance with state required minimum coverage," a police representative told the council while walking through the proposed ordinance language. The ordinance adds civil penalties ($30 for the first offense, $50 for the second, and $75 for third or subsequent offenses in the same calendar year) and provides for towing if a single vehicle accumulates three violations in a calendar year. Council members discussed concerns about vacationing residents and discretion for officers; staff said enforcement would largely remain complaint‑driven and discretionary.

Council voted to approve the ordinance as presented and tasked staff with education and implementation details before heavier enforcement begins.