Homes that have cars parked all over the yard may soon need a driveway.
The Gainesville City Commission decided Thursday to draft a petition that would establish parking regulations for multi-family homes around UF's campus.
This would include the area bordered by Southwest 13th Street, University Avenue and Southwest Sixth Street.
Many of these are single-family homes zoned as multi-family homes, meaning one house includes more than one residence.
As a result, five or six cars are parked in the yard, said Commissioner Thomas Hawkins.
Parking spaces would have to be accessed by an approved driveway, and cars would not be allowed to drive over a curb to park, according to the draft plan.
Landlords acquired these homes before current zoning codes were established, he said.
Prior to current codes, landlords didn't have to submit a parking plan, and cars could be parked anywhere on the property.
Hawkins said parking on these properties destroys curbs and sidewalks.
After cars continually park on grass, dirt begins to surface and dumps into the city's storm water system.
Hawkins said this counteracts money from the city aimed to treat storm water.
Mulch or gravel could be used to prevent erosion, according to the draft plan.
If passed, the amended ordinance would allow the city to approach these homeowners and create a parking plan.
"This is long overdue," Hawkins said.
District 2 Commissioner Todd Chase speaks at a Gainesville City Commission meeting Thursday afternoon at City Hall.
