City Passes Parking, Property Maintenance Ordinances

Two ordinance amendments passed by the Bowie City Council on Monday night may make the streets and sidewalks more friendly to passing cars and pedestrians.

One ordinance makes it illegal for any tree or shrubbery on private property to obscure traffic or street signs, or to create and “imminent danger” or “public nuisance” to any public right of way or to city property.

If residents don’t clear the offending greenery after being notified by the city of the violation, city staff can come on the property and take care of it themselves, at a cost to the property owner.

Another ordinance passed unanimously by the Council prohibits the parking of RVs, cargo trailers, boat trailers on city streets. According to city staff, parking large vehicles on some of the more narrow streets in Bowie makes it difficult and dangerous for cars to pass. Residents will be given 72 hours to move their vehicles before the city begins levying fines for the violation.

Some homeowner’s association covenants in Bowie already restrict the parking of RVs and commercial vehicles on the street to 24 hours. Those covenants remain in effect, but are not enforced by city officials.

The same ordinance states that vehicles parked legally on the street will have to park at least three feet away from driveway aprons, to give residents adequate space and visibility to navigate in and out of driveways.

Do you think these code amendments will make driving and walking around Bowie easier for residents?

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here. 

Start a blog | Upload an event |  Post an announcement