The City of Lafayette is in the process of putting cars where they belong.
Council members gave initial approval to updating the rules for parking abandoned or junk vehicles. The change means cars, trucks and motorcycles cannot be parked in someone’s yard. They also cannot be left on the street, in an alley or city controlled lot or garage for more than five days.
Mayor Tony Roswarski says it’s one of the top complaints he receives and complaints range from issues with trucks and boats to what he calls junk left on people’s property.
“This (ordinance) will address some of that,” he says. “We put quite a bit of time into this, trying to get it fair, but enforceable.”
Roswarski says he and other city officials drove around to see some instances of would-be violations before crafting the new guidelines.
The change also prohibits large trailers from being parked on city streets, except for short-term loading and unloading. “Large” is defined as being no more than eight feet wide, 10 feet tall and 36 feet long.
Roswarski says code enforcement officers already are making note of problem areas.
“We do want to stay caught up on it and we do know people are reluctant sometimes to turn something in, because they’re afraid (of retribution).”
The city council’s final vote on the measure is expected next month.
