CHINA GROVE — Recently passed town ordinances aim to prevent overgrown lots and keep streets from becoming long-term parking spaces.

In total, the Town Council approved six changes to ordinances earlier this month. Some represent formal approval for previous practices. Others are new.

Old or new, Mayor Lee Withers said they are common-sense regulations. “It’s never fun when government has to regulate common sense,” Withers said.

Some of the changes stemmed from residents’ complaints, Town Manager Ken Deal said.

Deal said violations of any of the new ordinances will result in a warning first. If the violations are not corrected, the town could put a lien on a person’s property, Deal said.

One change will outlaw parking tractor-trailers, motor homes, utility trailers, boats and trailers on town streets for a period of more than 24 hours. The town’s summary of changes says that in some residential areas, it’s a common practice to park vehicles on the streets for extended periods of time.

“These residents are using town property for the parking and storage of their personal property,” the town’s summary states.

Other changes make it unlawful to allow vegetation to obstruct the visibility of a person driving on public streets or highways; allow the uncontrolled growth of weeds, grass or other vegetation on lots next to public streets; blow debris, including grass or leaves, onto streets or sidewalks; and plant shrubs or trees in a right of way.

Deal said that 12 inches will be the measurement used to determine whether grass or weeds are too tall.

The vegetation-related changes apply to any person “occupying, owning or having control of property.”

The town also passed ordinances that outlaw animals at town-sponsored events; give the code enforcement officer the authority to remove dangerous environmental conditions, such as a rotten tree; close the northbound lane of Main Street for the town’s cruise-in events; and various changes pertaining to peddlers’ licenses at town events.

The ordinance changes were passed on Oct. 3 as part of the council’s consent agenda.

Contact Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246