COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate the parking and storage of commercial vehicles within the Town of Paleto Bay in a manner that promotes public safety, protects residential neighborhoods, preserves roadway access, and supports local businesses while recognizing the Town's rural and working-community character. 

Section 2. Definitions 

Commercial Vehicle means any motor vehicle used primarily for business or commercial purposes, including but not limited to trucks, truck tractors, semitrailers, buses, construction vehicles, utility vehicles, and vehicles displaying commercial registration or business identification.

Heavy Commercial Vehicle means any commercial vehicle or combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds or any truck tractor pulling or designed to pull a semitrailer.

Residential District means any area primarily zoned or used for single-family or multi-family residential purposes.

Commercial District means property zoned or primarily used for business, industrial, agricultural, or mixed commercial purposes.

Overnight Parking means parking for more than four (4) consecutive hours between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Section 3. General Regulations 

Commercial vehicles may park within the Town only in accordance with this ordinance and any other applicable laws.

No vehicle may be parked in a manner that obstructs traffic, sidewalks, emergency access, driveways, or visibility at intersections.

Section 4. Residential Neighborhood Restrictions 

Except as otherwise provided herein, heavy commercial vehicles shall not be parked overnight on public streets within residential districts.

Truck tractors without attached trailers shall not be parked on residential streets for more than twelve (12) consecutive hours.

Semitrailers or detached trailers shall not be stored or parked on public residential streets at any time.

Commercial vehicles lawfully servicing a residence, making deliveries, or performing construction work are exempt while actively engaged in such activities.

Section 5. Private Residential Property 

A resident may park one (1) commercially owned pickup truck, van, utility truck, or similar light commercial vehicle on private residential property provided it:

• Is legally registered;

• Is operational;

• Does not obstruct sidewalks or rights-of-way;

• Does not create excessive noise or nuisance.

Heavy commercial vehicles, truck tractors, or semitrailers may be stored on private residential property only if:

• The property contains sufficient space;

• The vehicle does not encroach upon public rights-of-way;

• The storage does not violate other zoning regulations;

• No repair activities creating nuisance conditions occur outdoors.

Section 6. Commercial and Industrial Areas 

Commercial vehicles may park in commercial or industrial districts where authorized by the property owner and where such parking does not interfere with emergency access or traffic circulation.

Businesses may designate employee truck parking areas subject to applicable site requirements.

Section 7. Agricultural Properties 

Recognizing the agricultural character of Paleto Bay, commercial trucks, farm trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment used in farming operations may be parked on agricultural property when associated with legitimate agricultural activities. 

Section 8. Idling Restrictions 

No commercial vehicle shall idle for more than thirty (30) consecutive minutes while parked within a residential district unless:

• Required for emergency operations;

• Necessary to operate specialized equipment;

• Preventing mechanical damage during extreme weather;

• Otherwise required by law.

Operators shall minimize unnecessary engine noise whenever possible.

Section 9. Detached Trailers 

Detached semitrailers, cargo trailers, or equipment trailers shall not be parked on public streets except while actively loading, unloading, or under temporary permit issued by the Town.

No detached trailer may remain on a public roadway for more than twenty-four (24) consecutive hours.

Section 10. Temporary Permits 

The Town may issue temporary parking permits for:

• Construction projects;

• Community events;

• Film productions;

• Utility work;

• Emergency situations;

• Temporary relocation or moving activities.

Permits may specify duration, location, and conditions.

Section 11. Prohibited Conduct 

No person shall:

• Park a commercial vehicle in a fire lane;

• Block emergency access routes;

• Park within an intersection sight triangle;

• Store cargo or equipment within public rights-of-way;

• Use public streets as long-term truck storage;

• Conduct major repairs or maintenance on public streets except emergency repairs.