SUMMERDALE — Automobile sales and rental dealerships planning to move to Summerdale now have a new set of rules to follow.

That’s because during its regular meeting Monday, the Summerdale Town Council passed an ordinance requiring those entities to have a motor-vehicle sales lot office.

“A sales office shall be provided and shall meet all requirements of the current zoning ordinance and building codes, as adopted by the town of Summerdale,” the ordinance states.

That ordinance also requires a lot surface to be provided.

“In no event shall vehicles that are offered for sale be parked on grass or unprepared surfaces or displayed outside of the property lines,” the new ordinance states.

Additionally, customer parking separate from displayed vehicles must also be provided, als well as adequate turn-around area in the lot.

But that’s not all. Dealers with vehicle-service areas must shield from public view vehicles that are being repaired or are disabled or damaged.

“Screened areas shall consist of an enclosed building or an obscure, fenced space at the rear of the sales lot,” the ordinance states. “Junked or inoperable vehicles must be removed from the sales lot within seven days.”

Monday’s ordinance followed discussion of the issue at last week’s Council workshop and went in effect immediately.

Prior to the vote, Summerdale Mayor David Wilson explained the inspiration for the document.

“This was borrowed from Pelham and Gardendale,” he said.

The mayor added that the new municipal law will benefit property owners situated near such a business.

“If you had that as your neighbor, you wouldn’t be ashamed of it,” Wilson said.