Council moves to expand Weirton parking restrictions

WEIRTON -- Weirton Council took the first step Tuesday in amending a section of the city’s parking code governing the parking of vehicles on unimproved areas of an individual’s property.

Council approved, through a 6-0 vote, the first reading of an ordinance amending Articles 351 and 541 of city code, which relate to the parking of vehicles in the grass or unimproved areas of any front or side yard.

Code Official Nick Stewart was called upon by Ward 4 Councilman Rick Stead to explain the proposal.

"This is something Inspections has been asked multiple times about," Stewart said.

Under the proposed ordinance, which must receive a second approval before going into effect, more detailed descriptions will be included in Section 351.11 and Section 541.20. Both sections currently state that "No person shall park or place a ‘motor vehicle’ or ‘other personal property’ within the grassy or otherwise unimproved area of any front or side yard."

If approved, the sections will then read, "No person shall park, store, or place any motor vehicle, boat, recreational vehicle (RV), camper, trailer, utility trailer, commercial vehicle, equipment, machinery, storage container, or any other personal property on any surface other than a city-approved parking surface. Said prohibition applies but is not limited to unimproved areas of grass, dirt, gravel, or like materials, in any front, side, or rear yard or any exterior portion of a premises, including unimproved or ‘paper’ alleyways."

Stewart explained there have been instances where residents have been told they could not park in the grass of their front or side yard, only for them to take it to their backyard.

Stead noted there already are requirements in place for parking in yards, including the development of an improved parking area, and this will address concerns with broken-down or abandoned vehicles.

"All this will be covered in this," Stead said.

Council did hear from one individual against the proposal.

During the meeting’s Citizen’s Comments portion, resident Bob Hinchee addressed officials with concerns, indicating it could take away options.

"I feel it’s highly restrictive to the residents," Hinchee said. "I think there are alternative issues to look at."

If the ordinance is approved, with the second reading potentially taking place during Weirton Council’s October meeting, it would become effective 30 days following final passage.