Most homeowners now find it difficult to get parking spaces for their vehicles which leaves them with the question Why?
Since the house is theirs, they should be able to park anywhere they want as long as it’s on their property. Whether the lawn or the backyard. What about the backyard, can you park cars in your backyard?
No, you cannot park your cars in your backyard if it’s full of grass, however, you can only park the car in your backyard if there is concrete or another level surface where the car can be parked. You are legally prohibited from parking in your grassy backyard for safety reasons.
Can You Park Cars in Your Backyard?
When the issue of where to park a car arises, the first place that comes to mind is the backyard because it’s yours, but there is more to it than that.
Getting started with this is dependent on, first, the neighborhood and city you live in. In some cities, it is illegal to park in your backyard while in others they can’t really be bothered as long as it is not in anybody’s way.
There are laws and regulations implemented and guiding against this in some areas, that is why it is of utmost importance for you to know the regulations of the city you live in in order to prevent the violation.
Parking in the backyard is perceived as destroying the image of the neighborhood for some.
In areas where they’re not big on where and how you park your cars, you can park in your backyard on your property and make sure it is covered and also not disturbing your neighbors or passersby. When your neighbors start complaining about it then it becomes a civil matter to be resolved.
Just like it is illegal to park if a crosswalk is within, it is illegal to park cars in your backyard, be sure your area allows it before doing so to avoid breaking the law.
Pros of Parking Cars in the Backyard?
Pros of parking your car in the backyard are:
- Quick Getaway: One of the obvious advantages of parking in your backyard is the ease with which you can leave your house without too much hassle and also in case of an emergency, you can easily move out of the parking space.
- Enough Parking Space: Parking in the backyard affords you the opportunity of having more than one car parked at a time. In households where they have more than one car, there’s enough space to park them all. You can even park the car overnight with your mind at peace that your car is in your backyard/property.
- It comes at No Extra Cost: When parking in your backyard, you get to save the extra cost of putting your car somewhere else
Cons of Parking Cars in the Backyard?
Some of the possible issues of parking in your backyard are:
1. Changes in Weather Conditions
The constant change in the weather can do a lot of harm to a vehicle. One, heat can affect the battery causing its fluid to dry up while a cold temperature can freeze up the battery fluid. Either of these can damage a battery and eventually causes it to stop working.
The speed with which the air conditioning in the car gets heated up and cold is also affected. There is a delay in It’s getting cold in extremely hot weather and the same goes for when it is extremely hot.
2. Fading and Peeling of the Paint Job
Excessive exposure to the sun causes the paint on a car to start fading and peeling, the paint on the car serves other purposes asides from making it look beautiful.
It has components that help prevent the car from rusting and when the paint starts peeling, the car is prone to damage.
3. Vandalism
When you park your car in your backyard, there is a high chance of it getting paint sprayed by kids looking to catch some fun or your window getting smashed either intentionally or not.
4. Theft
It’s a no-brainer that leaving a car outside is an invitation for it to be stolen or broken into, even with the best of alarm systems. Don’t forget that someone can break into your car without breaking your window.
Is it OK to park a Car on the Grass?
No, it’s not Ok to park a car on the grass. In fact, it is against the law to park a car on the grass.
“No harm will come to my vehicle if I park it on the grass” some will say, but the truth is, parking on the grass is not really a safe option. If the grass is wet then you do not want to park your car there, this is a fast way to make your car rust.
When the water on the grass is in the process of drying up through evaporation but it’s been stopped by the car on it, the water collects under the car and acts as a catalyst for the car rust.
Talking about the effect on the grass, when the car has been there for a long period, there’s no way new grass will take root and come up.
In all, it is safer not to park your car on the grass but if you have to, make sure it’s not for an extended period of time.
Is it Illegal to Park on your Lawn in Ontario?
There are places approved by law in Ontario where homeowners can park their cars but the lawn isn’t one of them. It is against the by-law to use your lawn as a parking space in Ontario.
Can I Park my Car on my Lawn in California?
California like the majority of other cities has a law against parking cars on the lawn. This now leaves one to wonder why you can’t park your cars on your own property. A portion of the lawn in every neighborhood is said to be owned by the government.
Can You Park Your Cars on Stones?
You can park your cars on stones, but there are a few things you should consider in taking that decision because the aftermath of that decision will be yours fully to bear.
Stones comprise pebbles and small rocks. The speed of a car on stone can send some stones flying into the air which in turn can leave marks on the paint job or holes in your windows.
Some stones can also get lodged under the car producing unpleasant sounds when driving.
Final Thoughts
Depending on where you live, the rules and regulations may be different. All regulations are designed for the safety and upkeep of the community.
If you’re used to going against the law and parking in your backyard and lawn, it is better to stop now and look for safer options or be ready to face the necessary legal actions.