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Fort Smith, AR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing code
IPMC § 302.8, locally amended
Repair time cap
90 days in a carport
Unregistered vehicle limit
One per address, screened
Painting
Spray booth required

Summary

Fort Smith bars inoperable, unsightly, disassembled or stripped vehicles from any premises, with limited exceptions for enclosed repair or nonregistered vehicles behind a fence.

Except as provided herein and in other regulations, no inoperable or unsightly motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises and no vehicle shall be at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth.

Exceptions:

(1)A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including body work, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes.(2)Any motor vehicle parked or stored within a building or enclosed garage on private property.(3)Any motor vehicle held in conjunction with a business enterprise lawfully licensed by the city for the storage, servicing and repair of motor vehicles and properly operated in an appropriate business zone pursuant to the zoning ordinances of the city.(4)Any motor vehicle within a carport which motor vehicle is being actively repaired on at least a weekly basis. The vehicle and its parts when not being repaired must be neatly covered with an opaque cover. Repairs to the inoperable motor vehicle shall be completed within 90 days.(5)Any motor vehicle defined as inoperable solely because it is not currently registered may be stored in a covered carport or completely enclosed behind a six-foot opaque screening fence. No more than one operable nonregistered vehicle will be allowed per address.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Fort Smith's local amendment to the property maintenance code, City Code § 6-401 (amending IPMC § 302.8), makes it unlawful to park, keep, or store an inoperable or unsightly motor vehicle on any premises, or to leave one in major disassembly, disrepair, or mid-strip. Vehicle painting outside an approved spray booth is also banned. Exceptions exist for repairs performed inside an enclosed structure, vehicles kept in a garage, vehicles tied to a licensed repair business in the right zoning district, a carport vehicle under active weekly repair (90-day cap), and one unregistered vehicle per address if it's in a covered carport or behind a six-foot opaque fence.

Violations & Fines

Enforced by the city's code/property maintenance inspectors as a property maintenance code violation; noncompliant vehicles can be ordered removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store a broken-down car in my driveway in Fort Smith?
No, not visibly. It must be inside an enclosed garage, or if unregistered, behind a six-foot opaque fence or in a covered carport, per § 6-401.
How long can a car sit under repair in my carport?
Up to 90 days if actively repaired weekly and covered when not being worked on, per § 6-401.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

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