My neighbor fixes up cars at his house, and, at any given time, he’s got lots of cars, in his back yard. He works on some cars, but others just sit there. Is he allowed to have that many cars? I hate that the view from my house looks like a junkyard. Can I do anything to stop this?
You wake up on a beautiful Austin morning, grab your coffee, and step out into your back yard to enjoy the day. Instead of green space and quiet tranquility, your neighbor has turned his back yard into a veritable auto-repair shop with several cars littered across his property. Tired of feeling as though your neighbor runs a junkyard straight from a Sanford and Son episode, you wonder whether your neighbor’s behavior violates any law or city ordinance.
If you live in Austin, the answer is yes. The city of Austin has a number of ordinances that regulate the storing of automotive vehicles in a residential area. For example, as a general rule, city ordinances prohibit storage of more vehicles at a residence than there are licensed drivers (although storage of up to four motor vehicles in a private garage is permitted).
In addition, the city requires that all vehicles on the property must be functional with the exception of antique vehicles or recreational vehicles. One vehicle under repair for less than 60 days is allowed.
In short, it sounds like your neighbor may be in violation of city of Austin ordinances in that he: 1) has more cars than licensed drivers, 2) does not have additional vehicles in a garage, and 3) has more than one car under repair for more than 60 days. You should call the city of Austin’s nonemergency line (311) if you want to report the potential violation.
There are additional exceptions and rules regarding parked vehicles not mentioned in this column, particularly for antique and recreational vehicles. Go to the city of Austin webpage (www.ci.austin.tx.us) and look up ordinance 25-2-893 to learn more.
This article appears in November 9 • 2007.