City reminds residents of proper neighborhood parking, storage

During the summer months, the City of Greencastle receives many complaints about how vehicles are stored or parked, including recreational and commercial vehicles, City Planner Shannon Norman said.

Citizens of Greencastle should be aware, she said, of the following rules in regard to the parking and storage of recreational and commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods:

-- No vehicle, including recreational and commercial vehicles, shall be parked, stored, or allowed to remain on a lot or parcel of land that does not contain a primary structure.

-- The storage of vehicles or trailers of any type without current license plates and registration, or in an inoperable condition shall be prohibited other than in completely enclosed buildings or associated with permitted junkyards or auto-repair facilities.

-- The storage or parking of recreational vehicles (including travel-trailers, boats, snowmobile or motorcycle trailers etc.) in residential zoning districts and associated with residential uses is subject to the following requirements:

a. A recreational vehicle may be stored on a residential property provided it is fully enclosed by a structure or located in the provided rear yard.

b. A recreational vehicle may be parked on a residential lot, outside of an enclosed structure or rear yard, for a period not to exceed in the aggregate 72 hours in any 30-day period.

c. In no case shall any recreational vehicle parked on a residential parcel be used for overnight sleeping or living. (City of Greencastle Zoning Ordinance Section 5.15(F).)

In no instance shall any portion of a semi-tractor/trailer be stored on a residential parcel or in the city right-of-way.

If a violation occurs, the property owner is given the option to move the vehicle or trailer. If left unmoved, the Greencastle Police Department may levy fines of $100 to $2,500 per day if the offense continues.

A full copy of the parking ordinance can be found on the city website.