The Fridley City Council unanimously approved ordinance changes May 11 that clarify how the city handles inoperable, junk and unlicensed vehicles.
Assistant Community Development Director Stacy Stromberg said the amendments to Chapter 404 do not change the city’s existing enforcement process, but add language describing how vehicles may be impounded when they are inoperable, junk or unlicensed.
Vehicle violations are consistently among the city’s top five violation types each year, Stromberg said. Those cases can include outdoor storage, unlicensed or inoperable vehicles and parking on grass.
The ordinance updates the definition of a junk vehicle to include vehicles that are not operable, partially dismantled, being used for parts or no longer consistent with their original function. It also adds a definition for an inoperable vehicle, including vehicles that meet some of the junk vehicle standards or are not currently licensed.
Inoperable or junk vehicles are not allowed on public or private property unless they are inside a building or connected to a permitted business or storage use, Stromberg said.
When staff is notified of a possible violation and verifies it in the field, the city sends a letter giving the property owner 14 days to correct the issue. If the violation is not corrected, the city sends another letter giving seven days before inspection. A vehicle may then be tagged, giving the owner an additional seven days to comply.
Council Member Luke Cardona asked how many vehicles are towed on average each year. Stromberg said the number is likely about five.
Council Member Ryan Evanson asked how long a vehicle could remain outside before being reported, using the example of a resident slowly working on a vehicle.
“I’m trying to think of a scenario where someone’s very slowly working on a vehicle,” Evanson said.
Evanson said he remembered a case where a property improvement project took longer than neighbors preferred, prompting complaints. He asked how staff balances giving residents time to address a problem while responding to neighborhood concerns.
Stromberg said staff is willing to have conversations with property owners and grant extensions when progress is being made.
“There has to be some kind of flexibility there, where we can’t let them have an entire year,” Stromberg said. “We like to give them a couple extra weeks, work with them so they’re improving not only their property, but the image of the entire neighborhood.”
Evanson asked whether residents typically respond positively when enforcement staff contacts them. Stromberg said only about 3% of violations require the city to get heavily involved.
“Maybe they didn’t know, and that’s why our first letter is about education,” Stromberg said.
Council Member Patrick Vescio asked how staff would handle a case where a vehicle is towed but other issues remain on the property. Stromberg responded that the property owner would receive a letter identifying more than one code violation.