Elyria, OH Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Elyria regulates front yard parking in two places: the Traffic Code and the Zoning Code, both enacted by the Elyria City Council for the City of Elyria in Lorain County, Ohio. Section 351.19(a), passed as Ordinance 93-94 on 4-5-93, bars stopping, standing or parking any motor vehicle for any purpose upon or in the front yard area of any parcel within residential districts that is not within the confines of a building, garage, carport or improved driveway. The code defines an improved driveway as a paved or otherwise surfaced area of a durable, pervious or impervious material, and front yard as the portion of the parcel from the City right of way, between the side lot lines, to the building set-back line. On a corner lot, the front yard includes the area between the side of the structure and the intersecting side street right of way.

Section 351.19(b) adds a vehicle-type limit: no commercially licensed vehicle in excess of one ton capacity can park in the driveway or parking lot of any dwelling used as a residence within the City.

Zoning Code § 1175.03 covers the COS, R-LD, R-MD, R-UD, R-TH, R-MHL, R-MHH and R-MHP Districts. No off-street parking space can sit within a required front yard except on an approved driveway leading to a side or rear yard parking space. The driveway and parking space must be suitably paved to a durable and dustless surface of asphalt, concrete, brick or other surface approved by the Building Inspector. The driveway areas in a front yard cannot exceed one-third of the yard area, and driveway width cannot exceed twenty feet measured at the front lot lines. Trucks, tractors and commercially licensed vehicles over one-ton capacity are prohibited from parking in those districts.