The Kemp City Council passed a parking ordinance April 12 aimed at preventing residents from parking in their front yards.

Violators of the ordinance could face up to a $500 fine for every day a car remains parked in front of a house off of an approved all-weather surface such as concrete, asphalt or rock.

The council and city staff began studying a proposed parking ordinance last year, and it became final with an unanimous vote.

The ordinance applies to all types of vehicles, including travel trailers. Residents who are unpacking a car or trailer would be allowed to park their vehicles in the front yard for a maximum of 48 hours while the task is being completed.

Residents with privacy fences at least six-foot high would be allowed to park vehicles in the back yard under the new ordinance.

Any new construction of surfaces must be adjacent to existing driveways and not in the midde of the yard.

The council can grant exceptions to the ordinance if the physical conditions of the lot and adjacent roadways and alleys merit a variance.

Council members said they passed the ordinance in an attempt to make the city look more attractive.