Guymon To Reconsider Front Yard Parking Ordinance

In a report from the Guymon Daily Herald, the Guymon City Council voted 4-1 to nix Ordinance No. 743, Article IV, Section 6.7 at the next meeting. The ordinance makes parking allowed on paved surfaces only. It must be voted on at the next meeting because it must appear on the agenda as an item of action. This week’s agenda only included it for discussion.

If officially nixed, Article IV, Section 6.7, “Paved Surface Required,” of the Zoning Ordinances will be removed. The ordinance reads, “Except as provided herein, all parking spaces shall be paved with a sealed surface pavement and maintained in a manner that no dust will result from the continued use. Parking on grass, gravel, or crushed material of similar consistency shall be allowed for events presented on an intermittent basis such as sporting events, car shows, music concerts, holiday celebrations, or other events of a similar temporary nature.”

Guymon Mayor Kenny Huckins and Councilman William King acknowledged that the real issue at hand is people parking in their yards.

“I think crushed rock should be allowed,” said Councilman King. “The main purpose of this is to get people to quit parking in yards.”

Councilman Jim Norris agreed.

“My opinion is that we need to beautify Guymon,” Norris said. “But we need to be real specific. We need to be definite on how we define the terms.”

The cost of paving several parking lots and driveways in order to be in compliance with the ordinance was an issue.

“It was not out of intent to put a financial burden on anybody,” said Councilman Randy Hinds.

Councilman Dave O’Sullivan was in full disagreement with the ordinance.

“I don’t think we can do this,” he said. “We need to do away with this. It’s not fair with the hundreds of residents and commercial operations that do not have paved parking.”

Local residents and business owners came out in full force to voice their opinions on the matter.

Following public comment on the issue, the council voted in favor of nixing it at their next meeting. The councilman who voted nay was Jim Norris.

“There is no point in having an ordinance if it’s not going to be enforced,” said Councilman Dave O’Sullivan. “I say we do away with 6.7 in its entirety.”