Citizens can still sell vehicles on their private property

By: STAFF REPORT | Opelika Auburn News
Published: June 21, 2009

The Opelika City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday that regulates the display of vehicles, motorized equipment, boats, trailers, recreational vehicles and campers that are for sale.

"Since June 16, the City of Opelika has received phone calls and e-mails from several citizens who are concerned that this ordinance applies to homeowners trying to sell their own property on their own property, and that the city is now going to require people to purchase business licenses in order to sell their personal property," a press release issued by the City of Opelika said. "The City of Opelika wants to assure our citizens that this ordinance does not prevent private citizens from selling their personal property."

The display of vehicle for sale has been come a problem not only in Opelika, but all over the nation, the release states.

"It has become such a problem that it has picked up its own name 'Curbstoning,'" the release said.

According to the press release, Opelika's city council passed this ordinance because of the following problems that have developed in the area:

* "There has been a dramatic proliferation of vehicles parked on the city right-of-way with signs signifying that the vehicle is for sale. This has ... impeded sidewalk traffic ... reduced good vision for motorists and has caused city thoroughfares to look like used cars lots."

* "People have placed their vehicles for sale upon the private property of others like grocery store parking lots."

* "Some small used car dealers take cars from their lots and position them over the city trying to get greater exposure ... They can only sell from the location approved."

For more information, call the city's Revenue Department at 705-5160. To read the ordinance in its entirety, visit www.opelika.org.