Attention Clinton Residents

Here in the City of Clinton, we have noticed a growing problem; that problem being the matter of parking vehicles in front and side yards, and on grass.  We are calling this to attention because of City Code 7-5-9 which states that "It is unlawful to park a vehicle on the grass of a lot used for residential purposes."  The reason for concern is not only is it a public nuisance, but it also devalues personal and public property.  A public nuisance is "one which affects at the same time an entire community, neighborhood, or any considerable number of persons, although the extent of the annoyance or damage inflicted upon the individuals may be unequal," according to City Code 5-1-2.

 

There are multiple reasons as to why people park on the grass.  Some of those include residences that acquire more drivers than parking spots available, and inoperable vehicles that are parked on the driveway for storage when they are unable to be of use to the owner.  City code defines such automobiles as (5-3-1) A: That is inoperative, B: That which does not have lawfully affixed to it an unexpired license plate; that is wrecked, dismantled, or discarded; and C: That which remains inoperable for a continuous period of more than forty-five (45) days.  Any vehicles that fall into this category need to be removed unless the vehicle is properly stored.  In the matter of storage, City Code 5-3-6 states that "an automobile or automobile part that is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street or public and/or private property; an automobile or automobile part that is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed automobile dealer or junkyard;  or and unlicensed operable, inoperable antique, or special interest automobile stored by a collector on the collector's property, if the automobile and the outdoor storage area are maintained in a manner so that they do not constitute a health hazard and the areas are screened for ordinary public view, be means of a fence, rapid growing trees, shrubbery, or other appropriate means."

 

Illegal parking of vehicles can also create a public safety hazard, and can hinder emergency personnel from performing their duties in the instance of an emergency.  They can create obstacles that emergency vehicles have to work around.  Please take all of these City Codes into account when parking your vehicles.  If you have any questions about the City Codes feel free to call City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, or log onto http://www.clintonokla.org/inspector/citycodes for further information.