Kalamazoo, MI Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Section 36-186(A) declares it a public nuisance, and prohibits outright, parking, storing or leaving unattended any motor vehicle on any surface other than an approved parking surface at property used primarily as a single-family residence, duplex or multifamily dwelling, or at an adjacent vacant lot. Section 36-186(B) defines 'approved parking surface' as an area surfaced with concrete, asphalt, gravel or similar material with adequate coverage and barriers sufficient to confine it, and requires every driveway to meet the same standard as approved by the Building Official.

Section 36-186(C) defines 'driveway' broadly to include the access roadway from an authorized curb cut to a garage, carport or required parking space, plus turnaround areas and circular driveways running curb cut to curb cut. Subsection D confirms the rule does not ban parking on driveways themselves, and Subsection F exempts recreational vehicles stored in a side or back yard, government and utility vehicles, and vehicles present for moving, construction, repair or cleaning work. Enforcement is two-tiered: § 36-186(G) fines the vehicle's owner $25 per vehicle for a first citation and $50 for a repeat violation within two years, with impoundment authorized for a further repeat, while § 36-186(H) separately makes the property owner or occupant guilty of a misdemeanor, fined $50 per violation ($25 for prior offenders), with each day counted as a separate offense.