Neighbors Renting Multiple Cars Via On-Line App Taking Neighborhood Parking Spaces

Several neighbors have contacted the Laurelhurst Blog about neighbors renting cars from their homes.

One neighbor said:

We’ve recently confirmed that our neighbor is renting 5 cars via an on-line application. I’m wondering if anybody knows if this is legal? Or knows it there is any recourse to stop this?  

He parks them on the street all around our already crowded block and then all sorts of random people come at all hours to retrieve them. For instance one of his cars is a black Mercedes, which we also have.  People have come and tried the door handles or looked in our cars as late as 9pm. It’s unsettling.

Another neighbor commented:

We are uncomfortable with our neighbor renting multiple cars at all hours of the day. And in addition, the multiple cars he rents take up parking, which is already very tight.

Here is what the City of Seattle 72-hour On-Street Parking Ordinance says:

Regardless of whether or not there is any sign posted, the City's Traffic Code does not allow a vehicle to be parked on a city street for longer than 72 hours. The Traffic Code also prohibits junk motor vehicles from being left on City streets (see Abandoned Vehicle Hotline) (SMC 11.72.440).  

Although some people may not use their vehicles on a regular basis (and therefore leave them parked on the street), the vehicles must still be moved every 72 hours and comply with all posted signs, including the ones announcing temporary parking restrictions that may go into effect after 24 hours. When a car is parked on a public street, drivers are encouraged to check their car.