The April 8, 2004, Topeka Police Department Staff Meeting minutes contained incorrect information about parking on non-paved surfaces. The minutes stated that a recently passed ordinance contains a "provision to allow vehicles to be parked in the back yard that are never moved for a 90-day period." This statement is incorrect.

    On April 6, 2004, the Topeka City Council passed ordinance No. 18209. The ordinance was published and took effect on April 16, 2004. Among other provisions, the ordinance makes the following changes to § 142-355 of the city code:

• Public Works Property Maintenance Inspectors, in addition to police officers, can issue citations for violations of § 142-355

• The restriction on parking on unpaved surfaces now applies to any residential lot, not just the front yard setback area.

• Despite the restriction above, vehicle or machinery can be parked in a backyard for up to six months on an unpaved surface. If the vehicle or machinery remains for longer than six months, the area upon which it is parked must be improved.

• The paving requirement now must be at least four inches of rock, gravel, paver brick, asphalt or concrete.

• The ordinance now defines "park" to mean "to halt a vehicle whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers or personal property."

• The ordinance now includes boats and campers within the definition of vehicles or machinery.