CORRECTION APPENDED: Members of the Comprehensive Planning Committee voted unanimously in favor of the front-yard parking rule. The original article mistakenly reported that Russ Stephenson had voted against.
It’s been years in the making, but a council committee finally approved an ordinance that would prohibit residents from parking their cars on the grass in their front yard. The proposal creates a new zoning district around N.C. State University, where front-yard parking would be prohibited.
The ordinance, which passed unanimously through the city council’s Comprehensive Planning Committee, was created to target drivers using their front yards as additional parking space, particularly in Southwest Raleigh.
“The goal is to stop widespread, consistent student parking,” said Councilor Bonner Gaylord.
According to neighbor complaints during the past four years, NC State students tend to be the biggest offenders.
The ordinance would not apply citywide and would be implemented through a special parking overlay district. If the ordinance is approved by the city council next week, councilors would then direct planning staff to begin the rezoning process that would come with a public hearing, targeted for July.
If it has positive results in Southwest Raleigh, the city could implement it in other problem areas, such as Southeast Raleigh.
Property owners who look to add additional parking would only be allowed an area that is less than 40 percent of their front yard. Or, owners would be allowed a driveway, plus space for two cars, whichever is less. The area must be made of a hard surface, like asphalt, concrete or pavers.
For special circumstances, homeowners would be able to get a permit that would allow them to park on the grass for three months. Owners could only apply for this permit every three years.
The council will vote on the issue at its next meeting on Tuesday.
