NEW ULM — A new exception is being introduced into the city’s blight ordinance.

The City Council held the first consideration of an amended blight ordinance Tuesday. The change creates an exception for automobile repair businesses.

In New Ulm, the City Code prohibits unlicensed, unregistered, or inoperable motor vehicles, trailers, or recreational vehicles to be stored on public or private property outside of buildings or enclosed structures. This regulation has created difficulties for local auto repair businesses because they regularly have inoperable vehicles awaiting repairs on the property.

Property owners were given written notice of violations, and if after seven days the vehicle was not removed or stored inside, the city could remove the vehicle at cost to the owner.

The city has discussed methods of tackling blight without penalizing local businesses, many of whom could not provide alternative storage within seven days.

The city proposed an amendment that adds a subdivision to the blight ordinance that excepts automobile repair businesses. Automobile repair businesses must still comply with regulations concerning outdoor storage required for this type of business.

City Manager Chris Dalton said this effectively removes the ability for an individual to report an auto repair business for violation of the blight ordinance detailed in Chapter 8, section 8.63 in the City Code.

Auto repair businesses would still fall under the zoning ordinance that stipulates a vehicle cannot be stored on-site longer than 30 days.

The council approved the first reading of the ordinance change. A second reading is required by the council before the amendment is formally adopted into the code.