Plymouth City Council tables proposed lawn parking ordinance

The Plymouth Common Council voted 6-1 Monday evening to table a proposed ordinance that would restrict city residents from parking cars, trailers, and other vehicles on the lawn at their homes, with Mayor Robert Listenberger calling for a more thorough approach to the issue.

Listenberger read a statement at the meeting saying he was not aware the parking ordinance was going to be added to the council's agenda at their last meeting. He said City Attorney Jeff Houin did not help write the ordinance and advised that further work was needed before it was presented to the City Council.

The mayor said the proposal contains problems and gaps and believes the issue deserves a more thorough approach.

"If the council believes there is a need to address yard parking, then we should take the time to do it correctly," Listenberger said. He added that the proposed ordinance has several concerns and should be developed as a fair, enforceable ordinance in the best interest of city residents.

The proposed ordinance would only permit parking on an improved area made of gravel, stone, asphalt, or concrete, or on a driveway approved by the city. Violators could face a $50 fine, and the property owner could also face a $50 fine for each vehicle parked in violation.

Two citizens spoke at the meeting, including John Carlton, who said that tabling the ordinance leaves residents uncertain about when it will receive action. Carlton said he didn't want to attend a city meeting every two weeks to track the issue.

Listenberger said he would like to form a committee to study how the ordinance could affect residents and how it should be worded.

The council plans to put the lawn parking issue on the agenda for its first meeting in January 2027 for discussion, with the hope that the committee will have details to share.