A city committee decided Tuesday to not amend an ordinance banning vehicle parking on lawns, even when crowds descend for Beaver home football games.

The city Human Services Committee had been asked by the City Council to reconsider the rule, but committee members decided any change would be too hard to enforce, given that police are already stretched too thin on game days.

"If we go down the road of crafting a new ordinance or changing this one, it stands to be much more complicated and need a lot more enforcement," said Councilor Stewart Wershow.

Michael Byers, who originally brought the matter to the council, said he is careful to allow room for cars to exit the property at any time and cleans up litter after cars leave the yard. On game days, Byers fits nearly 100 cars on property he owns and leases on Morris Avenue.

Councilor Mike Beilstein said while Byers convinced him that yard parking could be done responsibly, trying to craft a rule to ensure that everyone did so would be difficult and unenforceable.

Wershow added that by not providing enough parking for people attending games at Reser Stadium, Oregon State University had effectively pushed its parking problem into the surrounding neighborhoods.

"By not changing the ordinance, we provide the incentive to find creative solutions to the problem," he said.

Several people who live near campus objected to legalizing a practice that they said attracts tailgate parties and deep, muddy ruts on rainy days.

"It's not in keeping with the residential nature of the neighborhood. That's the bottom line," said William Gilbert, who has lived at 30th Street and Van Buren Avenue for nearly 60 years.

Ken Gibb, Community Development director, said the city encourages parking in city lots downtown with shuttle service to the stadium. Additional parking is available at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Fair staff members have reported that the service is generally underused by Beaver fans.

Byers said he would comply with the ordinance this weekend - the last home game of the season - but suggested that, as he reads it, the rule might allow him to park motor homes in the yard instead.

"I will work to help define this ordinance and try and keep as many people happy as possible," he said.

Matt Neznanski can be reached at 758-9518 or matt.neznanski@lee.net.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT HAPPENED: A city committee decided not to recommend changing a city rule that restricts parking vehicles on lawns. One landlord had asked the City Council to reconsider the rule, but only on days of Beaver home games.

WHAT'S NEXT: Yard parking in town will remain illegal and is punishable by a $45 fine to drivers, but police admit they don't have the resources to really enforce the rule.