The Keene City Council on Dec. 4 instructed staff to draft a change to the municipal code regulating the parking of certain vehicles and trailers on city streets.

Councilors questioned an apparent loophole in Keene Code §72.1 that allows a trailer to remain on the roadway for 72 hours, be taken off for 24 hours, and then be placed back on the roadway — effectively resetting the clock. Several council members proposed removing the 24‑hour reset while retaining a 72‑hour maximum stay, and the council directed staff and the city attorney to draft codified language addressing enforcement.

Council members also raised concerns about the impact of stricter rules on local small businesses that rely on trailers. One resident and business owner urged the council to consider a formal permitting scheme that would allow registered, legitimate businesses to request short‑term or recurring permits (for example, 30‑day or annual permits) rather than face repeated citations.

"I say we just leave it at 72 hours, but take out the 24 hour loophole," one council member said during the meeting. Staff and the chief of police described enforcement procedures, noting enforcement typically begins when code compliance or police document a violation.

Council asked staff to draft modifications removing the 24‑hour reset and to explore an online permitting option tied to planned software improvements, with an eye toward balancing neighborhood safety and small‑business needs. The revised ordinance language will be returned to council for consideration, likely as a consent or regular agenda item once legal verbiage is prepared.

Ending: Staff will prepare proposed ordinance edits and an implementation plan that may include permitting or exemptions for small businesses; council indicated consensus to remove the 24‑hour restart and direct staff to return with a draft.