POTSDAM — The village is tightening up its zoning restrictions on parking cars and vehicles in private front yards.

The board is expected to adopt a local law amending the zoning code at their meeting Monday, Aug. 16.

The changes will mean some new restrictions for property owners and renters in the village who lack on-street and driveway parking areas on their properties and are in the habit of positioning their cars in their front yards.

The amendments to Chapter 180 include changes to what is defined as a structure and a front yard.

It also amends section 180-22 which deals with off street parking and loading requirements. The amendment states that “parking of motor vehicles is prohibited in any front yard” but excludes retail sales lots in the B-1 district or commercial lots.

That section also prohibits the construction of structures which are designed and intended to accommodate parking vehicles in front yards except in zoned commercial and industrial areas.

To view a copy of the draft local law and the proposed amendments visit http://vi.potsdam.ny.us/content/News/View/89.