Nederland residents sue city to keep vehicles parked on yard

Nederland residents John and Lanell Stuchlik are suing the city in hopes of circumventing a code which prohibits the couple from storing vehicles on their property.

The suit was filed Jan. 12 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to their petition, the Stuchliks keep vehicles parked on the property at 804 N. 33rd St. in Nederland.

On Sept. 17, a city building official notified the couple that the parked vehicles violated section 302.8 of the 2009 Property Maintenance Code, which prohibits residents from storing unserviceable vehicles on their property or in the streets, court records show.

The Stuchliks objected and brought the issue up before a board of appeals. On Dec. 13, the city informed the couple that the board ruled in its favor and that it intended to enforce the code.

Claiming the code violates their constitutional rights, the Stuchliks are asking the court to declare the code not applicable to their situation, court records show.

Beaumont attorney Bruce Smith represents the couple.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. E189-157