Zoning commission prohibits cars from parking in front yards in certain districts

People parking on the lawns in front of their homes are now in violation of a new zoning regulation if they live in certain districts.

Macon’s zoning commission agreed Monday to not allow cars to be parked on the lawn in the front of residences in some historic districts.

In a 4-0 decision, the Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission voted to amend the Comprehensive Land Development Resolution “regarding parking of vehicles on lawns visible from public right-of-way.” Commission Chairman Kamal Azar was absent.

Attorney Lars Anderson said that because of a loophole in the zoning regulations, people were allowed to park “onto their grass, onto their turf” between the front of their homes and streets.

The proposed amendment was submitted by Anderson and the Vineville Neighborhood Association. The commission deferred this item on Sept. 11 to allow its staff and the commission’s attorney to review and research the proposal more thoroughly.

The amendment would only apply to single-family residential property specifically in “designated design review designation districts,” said Executive Director Jim Thomas. These include the Intown, Vineville, Cherokee Heights, Beall’s Hill and downtown districts.

The new regulation is effective immediately, Thomas said after the meeting.

“If someone wants to do it, they have to come before (the commission and ask permission,” Anderson said.

Not only does parking on the grass create aesthetic issues, especially in residential areas, but also it can “negatively impact traffic safety and mobility, as neither passing cars nor pedestrians expect vehicles to be crossing curbs,” the amendment states.

Also, cars parked on the grass “can have a significant visual impact from the right of way on such properties, as well as properties nearby,” it states.

Telegraph staff writer Linda Morris @ MidGaBiz

This story was originally published December 11, 2017 at 8:41 PM with the headline "Zoning commission prohibits cars from parking in front yards in certain districts."