New Used Car Lot Standards

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas enacted Ordinance 250530 today, following City Council approval, establishing new operational standards for used vehicle sales establishments. These standards require cleaner, better-managed lots that align with community standards and ensure professional business practices across Kansas City.

Existing, legally established used car lots may continue current operations without change and can operate as-is, only needing to adhere to the ordinance if the business expands.

The ordinance regulates independent used car dealers who lack the manufacturer oversight that typically governs franchise dealers and addresses longstanding community concerns about inadequate lighting, outdoor storage of damaged vehicles, overcrowded lots, and poor visual screening that impact surrounding neighborhoods and property values.

The six key requirements for non-franchise dealerships include:

• Maintain a permanent building over 200 square feet
• Keep vehicles at least 10 feet from streets and residential areas
• Conduct all vehicle repairs inside enclosed buildings
• Screen the business from public view with approved landscaping
• Limit vehicle density to one per 200 square feet of property with marked spaces
• Provide proper security lighting meeting city standards

"Too many Kansas City neighborhoods are blighted by used car lots with too little space, too many non-working vehicles, weeds, broken fences, and trash," said Mayor Lucas. "The new regulations allow legitimate used car businesses to thrive while addressing these operational issues that have affected neighborhoods for years. We're establishing clear, fair standards that protect both business viability and community character."

For specific questions about how this ordinance affects your business or property, contact the City Planning and Development Department at [email protected] or the Planner of the Day at [email protected].