This page highlights some of the major provisions of the city’s vehicle ordinance regarding use, parking and storage. Your cooperation makes Overland Park a better place to live and work.
- Vehicle parking and storage regulations (effective Jan. 1, 2008)
What makes a vehicle "inoperable" according to Overland Park Municipal Code?
Examples of inoperable vehicles include those with a flat tire, missing wheels, a vehicle under repair or a vehicle that does not have a current license or registration.
Is there a time period allowed for making auto repairs at home?
Yes. Fifteen days are allowed for repairs of one vehicle
at a private residence when the vehicle is properly parked on a driveway or
other approved parking surface. After 15 days, if the vehicle is not operable
it
must be stored in the garage or in an enclosed structure. Other than emergency
repairs of flat tires and dead batteries, repair work can only be conducted
outside between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
What is an abandoned vehicle?
Any vehicle that is parked or stored unattended on the roadway, street or highway for a period of at least 48 hours is considered abandoned. Please alert the Overland Park Police Department of abandoned vehicles at 913/895-6300.
Where am I allowed to park my vehicle?
Parking is permitted on a paved parking area, in a garage or in a carport. Parking on a patio or any hard surface not connected to the driveway is prohibited. You may not park a vehicle on the grass or in any area intended for landscaping. This requirement includes the front yard, the side yard, rear yard and the grass area between the street and sidewalk.
The only exception is that recreational vehicles may be stored in the side or rear yard under certain circumstances.
Are there limits on what kind of vehicle I can park in a residential area?
Yes. In a residential area, parking is restricted to passenger cars and vans, pickup trucks or motorcycles. In other words any vehicle primarily designed for the transportation of people. Vehicles parked on the street are regulated by the Overland Park Police Department at 913/895-6300.
Flatbed trucks and pickup trucks with a bed and sidewalls different from the standard pickup bed and sidewalls may be permitted if all of the following are demonstrated to a Neighborhood Preservation Enforcement Specialist:
- The length of the vehicle does not exceed 21 feet.
- The width of the vehicle does not exceed 7 feet.
- The height does not exceed 8 feet.
- The top of the highest sidewall is not more than 3 feet
above the bed. - The truck does not have permanently mounted
equipment such as a crane.
Commercial vehicles cannot be stored in a residential area but may be parked in a residential area on one occasion within a 30-day period for no more than 24 hours.
A vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle when it exceeds the above requirements.
Can I park a recreational vehicle in my driveway while I prepare for a trip?
Yes. A recreational vehicle may be parked on a paved driveway between the street and a residence on two occurrences during any 30-day period. Each occurrence shall not exceed 48 hours.
What should I do if I want to construct additional parking?
If additional off-street parking is needed, you have several options. You may be able to expand an existing garage or carport, or add a new garage or carport. In either case, you will need to obtain a building permit from the Building Safety Division of Planning and Development Services Department at 913/895-6225. There are certain requirements for the distance between any new structure and your property lines that must be met before a permit will be issued. Check with the Planning and Development Services Department at 913/895-6217 to determine what setback requirements apply.
If you have a second recreational vehicle, it must be screened from view (see. Screening plans must be approved. Submit your plans in writing to the Neighborhood Preservation section for approval by the Director of Planning and Development Services. Written plans must include:
- location of the second vehicle on the property
- the means by which the screening will be accomplished.
Such plans will be approved only when the vehicle will be hidden from view from all surrounding properties.
Another alternative is to expand your current driveway to allow additional
room for parking. All driveway expansions must be paved. In addition, all
driveways must be 2 feet away from any side property
line. The total amount of driveway surface cannot exceed 35 percent of the
area of your front yard.
Is there a penalty for violating the regulations?
Yes. Failure to comply with the above requirements constitutes a violation of the city's ordinances and a ticket may be issued. Fines can be imposed up to $500 for each violation on each day it exists or a judge may order up to six months time to be served in jail or both.
(Sources: Community Tool Box and Salem, Oregon Neighborhood Handbook)