Local Laws FAQ
What are abandoned, inoperable or junk vehicles?
Can a truck be stored in a residential zone?
Can I park my car in my yard?
Can I display my vehicle for sale on a city street?
What are the Designated Truck Routes in Granite City?
What are abandoned, inoperable or junk vehicles?
The definition of a motor vehicle used by the City of Granite City is any vehicle which is self propelled and designed to travel along the ground and shall include, but not be limited to, automobiles, buses, motor bikes, motorcycles, motor scooters, trucks, go-carts, golf carts, campers and trailers.
The definition of an inoperable vehicle according to city ordinance is any motor vehicle (a) from which, for a period of at least 7 days, the engine, wheels, or other parts have been removed or (b) on which the engine, wheels, or other parts have been altered, damaged, or otherwise so treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own power, or (c) to which no valid-current license plate is affixed.
The definition of a junk motor vehicle according to city ordinance is any motor vehicle, as defined by ordinance, which has substantial damage to its body and operable parts, including but not limited to, windshield, headlights, rear lights, bumpers, fenders, tires, chassis, motor exhaust system and other operating parts, requiring repairs of greater than $200.00 in costs, or to which no valid-current license plate is affixed.
The definition of an abandoned vehicle is any vehicle shall be presumed to be abandoned if it is left unattended on a street for a period in excess of 7 days, or on any public or private property without express or implied consent of the owner or person in lawful possession or control of the property for a period in excess of 7 days.
Vehicles that are not compliant with local or state laws cannot be parked in public view. Tarps and privacy fences will not make a vehicle compliant. If residents wish to keep vehicles which are not street legal on their property, the vehicle must be housed inside a garage out of public view. Persons in violation of abandoned, inoperable or junk vehicle ordinances are given a 7 day notice, by way of an informative police tow sticker, to comply with local and state laws. After 7 days, persons not compliant will be served a summons to appear before a city administrative hearing officer or served a summons to appear in circuit court to answer to a state charge of vehicle abandonment. The vehicle in violation may be towed at the discretion of the police. Persons found liable for an ordinance violation may receive a fine up to $750.00 for each offense. Persons convicted of a state charge of vehicle abandonment shall be subject to a mandatory fine of $200.00 plus all towing, storage, and processing costs. Whenever any resident of this State fails to pay any fine, or cost imposed by State law or a similar local ordinance, the circuit clerk may notify the Secretary of State and the Secretary shall prohibit the renewal, reissue, or reinstatement of the resident’s driving privileges until the fine and costs are paid in full.
Can a truck be stored in a residential zone?
City ordinance defines a truck as a vehicle exceeding 5 tons. City ordinance prohibits the storage of any of the following vehicles in a residential zone: trucks, contracting equipment, and non-recreational trailers.
Can I park my car in my yard?
City ordinance prohibits the parking of any vehicle in yards in residential zones. City ordinance also prohibits the parking of vehicles in the area between the sidewalk and street. Vehicles on private property in a residential zone in public view must be parked on a permanently paved surface made of concrete, asphalt, or rock. Rock surfaces must be free of any vegetation, dirt, or debris. Residents wishing to add a driveway to their property must contact the city Building & Zoning Department prior to any construction.
Can I display my vehicle for sale on a city street?
It is unlawful to park any vehicle on a street for the purpose of displaying it for sale.
What are the Designated Truck Routes in Granite City?
The following streets are designated truck routes in the City of Granite City:
• Adams Street from 20th Street to 22nd Street
• Century Drive from 22nd Street to 25th Street
• Cleveland Boulevard from 16th Street to 20th Street
• Rock Road from 19th Street to Illinois Route 3
• State Street from 14th Street to 16th Street
• Lee Avenue from 20th Street to 21st Street
• Madison Avenue from 20th Street to 14th Street
• Missouri Ave. from Illinois Route 3 to 25th St.
• Niedringhaus Ave from the Railroad Tracks to Cleveland Boulevard
• West Pontoon Road. from Illinois Route 3 to Missouri Avenue
• Illinois Route 3
• Illinois Route 203 commonly referred to as Nameoki Road from I-270 to Illinois
• Route 162
• Illinois Route 203 commonly referred to as Edwardsville Road from Illinois
• Route 162 to the city limits
• Illinois Route 162 from Illinois Route 203 to the city limits
• 16th Street from Madison Avenue to Niedringhaus Avenue
• 18th Street one way only southbound from Niedringhaus Avenue to Cleveland Boulevard
• 19th Street from Cleveland Boulevard to Rock Road
• 20th Street from Illinois Route 203 to Madison Avenue
• 20th Street from Cleveland Boulevard to Missouri Avenue
• West 20th Street from Missouri Avenue to Rock Road
• 21st Street from Illinois Route 203 to Lee Avenue
• 22nd Street from Adams to Century Drive
Exceptions to the established truck routes:
All trucks exceeding 5 tons shall be operated only over and along the designated truck routes established by ordinance except as follows:
1. The operation of trucks upon any officially established detour in any case where such trucks cannot be
operated along the designated through truck route
2. When the truck is specifically directed to deviate by a police officer of the City of Granite City
3. When any truck originating within the City of Granite City with a destination point outside the city must
travel over streets not included in the through truck route in order to reach the nearest through truck
route
4. Trucks making local deliveries may deviate from the through truck route only to make a local delivery
and then may only deviate via the shortest maneuverable route to the destination point and must then
return to the nearest truck route via the same manner.