Bowling Green, KY Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Two parts of the Bowling Green code govern driveways and front-yard parking. First, Section 27.4.03.a of the Property Maintenance Code makes it unlawful to park, keep, or store any junk motor vehicle (inoperable, untagged, wrecked, or partially dismantled) on any private premises longer than three calendar days unless the vehicle is fully enclosed within a building. That rule is enforced by the Code Compliance & Animal Protection Division of Neighborhood & Community Services (270-393-3444). Second, the city Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 27) restricts where on a residential lot vehicles can be parked: permitted residential dwelling types do not include RVs, and outdoor storage of RVs and travel trailers is limited in certain residential zoning districts. Vehicles in residential yards are generally expected to be on a paved or improved driveway surface, and the zoning ordinance limits how much of a front yard can be covered with parking surface. Driveway approaches and curb cuts where a private drive meets the public right-of-way require a separate permit and inspection through City of Bowling Green Public Works; constructing or widening a driveway approach without that permit is a code violation. On the street side, Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances and KRS 189.450 prohibit parking that blocks a driveway, sidewalk, crosswalk, or fire hydrant, and the city's on-street parking guidelines incorporate Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) sign standards. Blocking a driveway with a parked vehicle is one of the most commonly reported complaints handled through the city's Report a Problem portal.