Are there any ordinances in Gilroy that regulate residential
street parking or the number or condition of vehicles parked on a
property?
“Are there any ordinances in Gilroy that regulate residential street parking or the number or condition of vehicles parked on a property? We have a neighbor who has an inoperable car on blocks parked in their driveway and up to eight cars parked overnight on a regular basis in front of their house and ours (including two to three commercial vehicles for their business). Is that permissible?
Red Phone: Dear Parking Patrol, Sounds like you live next to a junkyard. Unfortunately there are no limits to the number of cars that can be parked on a private property, but there are other concerns that may come into play, said Community Service Officer Gary Muraoka.
Here are the Gilroy municipal codes that could apply in this situation, Muraoka said.
“All the vehicles parked on a city street must be licensed, insured and in working order. There is no limit on the number of vehicles.”
“All vehicles on private residential property must be operational, and be parked on a paved surface. There is no limit on the number of vehicles that can be parked on private property but the area must be paved.”
As for the commercial nature of the vehicles, Muraoka cited Gilroy municipal codes that say “if the work vehicle is a pick-up truck, its legal. If the vehicle is a large box truck or big rig then the vehicle would be oversized or off the truck route.”
Unfortunately Red Phone could not get police to check out the area because they don’t take anonymous complaints. But Muraoka said the area could be a blight violation and he would like to talk to you more about it.
So give the police a call at 846-0320. If that doesn’t help, give Red Phone a call again.
Come celebrate Earth Day
“I’m responding to the call about Earth Day. I want you to know that the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs Council is holding an Earth Day Fair on Thursday, April 23, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center. As far as I know, that’s the only one in the area, which is really a shame. Audubon and Save Open Space Gilroy tried to help the city-sponsored Earth Day this year, but on short notice we were unable to find 20 people to help set up. We sure hope someone can do better next year with advanced planning because 500 to 600 children and family members attended the event and it will be missed. Thanks.”
Red Phone: Dear Green Remnant, It’s nice to know that there are still some groups left who are dedicated to protecting the earth. Better late than never. The Sixth Annual Earth Day Art & Science Fair features projects submitted by students. For more information on the fair, visit www.earthdayart.com. Also Marilyn Mitri, president of the Gilroy Lions Club, is spearheading a grassroots effort to keep Earth Day alive in Gilroy with an event from 8 a.m. to noon May 9 at Christmas Hill Park.
Fireworks still alive in Gilroy
“I recently heard that the City of San Jose has canceled their fireworks display on July 4th at Discover Meadow (adjacent to the Children’s Discovery Museum). What’s the status of the fireworks display at Gilroy High School? Thanks!”
Red Phone: Dear Let Freedom Boom,
It looks like someone’s a bit eager to celebrate the birth of our country … or at least to enjoy a free fireworks show. The Gilroy fireworks display is one of the best in the area because they light burning garlic bulbs instead of fireworks. Just kidding. But you can rest a bit easier tonight. The show will go on as originally planned, said Gilroy Public Information Officer Joe Kline Monday. So at least for now, you don’t have to make plans to go out of state to watch fireworks.
