Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 4013 authorizing an amendment to the City’s Code of Ordinances related to parking regulations for oversized vehicles in residential areas; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Mayor Terry Lynne
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Roger Neal
BACKGROUND:
Oversized vehicles, such as commercial trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, and trailers, can create challenges when parked in residential neighborhoods. Due to their size, these vehicles can obstruct sightlines for drivers and pedestrians, particularly near intersections and driveways, increasing potential traffic safety risks.
Additionally, oversized vehicles parked in residential driveways can negatively affect neighborhood aesthetics, including walkability and curb appeal, creating a cluttered appearance and may result in long-term property maintenance issues.
Chapter 82, Article III “Oversized Vehicles” of the City’s Code of Ordinances establishes regulations for the parking and storage of oversized vehicles within the City. The article defines oversized vehicles and places restrictions on where these vehicles may be parked, particularly in residential areas. In addition, the chapter includes established designated no-parking zones and limited hours for parking of commercial vehicles and restricts the parking/storage of recreational vehicles without a valid on-street parking permit. Enforcement authority under this chapter falls within the Police Department’s purview.
Chapter 56 prohibits the parking or storage of oversized vehicles on residential property unless they are fully screened from view of the public right-of-way using a fence, wall, or vegetation. Temporary exceptions are allowed when the vehicle is actively loading or unloading, providing services, or operating on behalf of a public utility or government entity. Enforcement of these regulations is handled by the City’s Code Enforcement Division.
The existing ordinances present regulatory gaps regarding oversized vehicles. Chapter 82 effectively regulates parking and commercial vehicles on public streets, alleys, and other public property, but it does not address the full scope of vehicle storage and placement on private residential lots. Conversely, Chapter 56 addresses the effects of vehicles on private property, such as obstruction, safety hazards, and screening requirements, but it does not explicitly regulate where oversized vehicles may be parked, their size or weight limits, or parking duration. This fragmented approach could potentially lead to inconsistent enforcement, ambiguity for residents, and challenges in balancing traffic safety and neighborhood aesthetics.
The City Council conducted robust study sessions on how to regulate oversized vehicles on April 29, 2025; September 2, 2025; October 21, 2025; December 9, 2025; and March 17, 2026. In addition, Mayor Lynne spearheaded a Task Force and hosted several meetings to ascertain how other municipalities handled oversized vehicles. Many of the meetings were attended by residents who owned oversized vehicles.
During the August 18, 2026, City Council meeting, the Community Services Department provided an update to the Code of Ordinances to address oversized vehicles. Council discussed impacts on small-lot properties, particularly in Districts 1 and 2, and addressed the code amendment's enforceability provisions while developing solutions for property owners who will be significantly affected. Council discussed potential impacts that could prevent adequate access for emergency vehicles, obstruct visibility for oncoming traffic, and compromise critical quality-of-life factors in neighborhoods. An ordinance amendment to Chapter 56, Parking Standards, regarding oversized vehicles has been prepared to address the identified potential impacts.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of Ordinance No. 4013 would formally adopt the proposed amendments to Chapter 56 of the City’s Code of Ordinances.
The ordinance amending Chapter 56 includes:
• Prohibiting the parking of oversized vehicles over 8 feet in width or 21 feet in length on residential property, unless fully screened from the public right-of-way in side or rear yards using approved fencing or landscaping.
• Prohibiting vehicles exceeding a rated towing capacity of 10,000 pounds or a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds. This does not include non-commercial vehicles.
• Providing a 12-month grace period (reduced from the previously proposed 18 months) to allow property owners time to bring existing vehicles into compliance with the ordinance.
Based on the staff’s review of legislation, the proposed ordinance amendments will not negatively affect a home-based business if a vehicle in use for business does not exceed the proposed dimensions and/or the towing weight and weight limits as proposed.
If approved, staff will disseminate this change through multiple communication channels to ensure public awareness. Additionally, the Code Enforcement Division will work directly with residents to inform them of new regulations, including monitoring oversized vehicle parking during the 12-month grace period, to provide adequate time to comply with the ordinance requirements.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 4013
2. Chapter 56 Proposed Redline
3. Chapter 56 Clean Version
4. Presentation