List:
The local city council recently changed the municipal code to further
restrict the number and types of vehicles one is allowed to store on
their property outside of a garage. The new ordinance is intended to
address the various problems associated with 'junk' cars. Without going
heavily into the particulars, the new version prevents me from storing a
project vehicle outside while I am working on it (well, I can work on it
outside, I just can't leave it in the same spot for more than 24 hours
without running afoul of the law).
As a person who enjoys working on my vehicles for pleasure (as well as
being unwilling and too cheap to pay someone else to do it), I am not
particularly happy about this. Not only does it prevent my tackling
large projects, it either forces me to give up my hobby or incur expenses
that would otherwise be unnecessary. This seems unreasonable, as I don't
think I am the sort of person the council had in mind when they drafted
the ordinance. Of course, neither do I think that I should be allowed to
run a mini-junkyard on my property (I recognize there are limitations).
Naturally, I think that there should be an exemption drafted into the
ordinance. Do any list members live in an area that has successfully
reached a compromise (for example, a limited exemption for gearheads)?
If so, what was the compromise? I hope to convince the city council that
a reasonable compromise can be reached -- as most of you can understand,
I am loathe to give up or cut short a twenty-odd-year hobby just because
the city council doesn't understand the fun to be had in turning
wrenches....
Just to give you an idea of the breadth of the new ordinance, under state
law, if I decide that I am not going to be using a vehicle for awhile, I
can 'register a vehicle as stored' by surrendering the plates to the
county treasurer (for example, I've been called to active duty, or my job
has been temporarily transferred). This allows to me save some money on
annual fees, and avoid a penalty and back licensing fees when I put the
car back on the road.
Now, if I park the vehicle in my driveway for more than 24 hours, the
vehicle violates the ordinance only because it doesn't display a current
license plate and registration. Never mind that the vehicle doesn't
otherwise violate the ordinance, the city can tow and impound the
vehicle, and impose a fine of up $500+ (and impound fees and towing
charges). I suspect that this problem is more of a drafting problem than
anything, and that the city didn't intend to cause this problem (well, I
would hope so, anyway). I've requested to be heard by the council on
this issue next week.
On other fronts, I just acquired two more MG's ($100 for the pair; one RB
Midget, and one RB MGB). Have I crossed the line between hobby and
obsession?
Rich
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
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