We are often asked about the legality of commercial vehicles parked in our neighborhoods. This is especially problematic when a resident parks multiple company trucks, vans, and other vehicles in areas that already have limited parking for those that actually live in the area. One would hope neighborhood consideration would over rule this issue, but often it doesn’t. In addition there are times our vehicle may need repairs yet they cannot remain on the roadway over 72 hours – that information is also included below.
While there is no legal avenue to deal with the neighbor that has 10 cars parked up and down the street if the vehicles are legally licensed and moved every 72 hours, we do have some laws regarding commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Below is information directly from our City website and because this issue is brought up regularly we will share it here:
Parking Commercial Vehicle in Restricted District
Greetings South San Francisco Resident or Citizen:
Your vehicle is parked in a residential area on the public roadway and is in violation of one of the following:
A) Overweight (10,000 lbs. or over, Gross Vehicle Weight)
B) Overall length is 22 feet or over (bumper to bumper)
C) Overall height is 8’ 5” tall or over (bottom to top)
Signs have been posted throughout the City advising motorists of this new Municipal Code. Citations will be issued beginning 12/15/06 (Fine is $35.00 per violation).
If you have any questions or comments, please call the Traffic Sergeant at (650) 829-3934.
Full Text of Ordinance is below:
11.40.210 Parking commercial vehicle in restricted districts.
It is unlawful for any person to park any commercial vehicle (as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 260) in excess of two consecutive hours on any public street in any residential district as follows:
(a) Any commercial vehicle having a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight of ten
thousand pounds or more; or
(b) Any commercial vehicle or combination of vehicles twenty-two feet or more in
overall length; or
(c) Any commercial vehicle, load, or any portion of said commercial vehicle over
eight feet five inches in overall height measured from the surface upon which
the vehicle stands.
This section does not apply to any commercial vehicle making pickups or deliveries of goods, wares, and merchandise from or to any building or structure located in a residential district, or when such vehicle is parked in connection with and in aid of the performance of a service to property in the district, or for the purpose of delivering materials to be used in the actual and bona fide repair, alteration, remodeling, or construction of any structure for which a building permit has previously been obtained, when time in addition to the two-hour period is necessary to complete such work. (Ord. 1375 1, 2006: Ord. 1241 § 1 1999: Ord. 1109 § 2 (part), 1992)
Abandoned Vehicles on Public Roadways
Use of streets for storage of vehicle prohibited:
(a) It is unlawful for any person who owns or has possession of any motor vehicle to park such vehicle upon any public street, lane, or parking lot for more that a consecutive period of seventy-two hours.
(b) In the event a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a public street, lane, or parking lot in excess of a consecutive period of seventy-two hours, any employee of the police department. Authorized by the chief of police, may remove the vehicle from the street in the manner and subject to the requirements of the Vehicle Code. (Ord. 1109/2(part), 1992)
In summary, vehicles cannot be parked on the public street for more than 72-hours! The Police Department issues courtesy notices to vehicles that are suspected of being “abandoned.” Officers also chalk the tires, obtain an odometer reading, and measure the location of the car on the street. The mere pushing or rolling of the vehicle does not constitute “moving.” Help fight blight and keep our neighborhoods clean!
Abandoned Vehicle Hotline: Call (650) 829-3939 to report any abandoned vehicles on public property. We will investigate your report promptly.
Lucy – it is best that you contact SSFPD Traffic Sgt, perhaps using the PD non-emergency line might help you make that connection. 650/ 877.8900
Thank you.
How do we get commercial trucks to stop parking their fleet of trucks on our street. On any given day there is between two to four big white work trucks from Pinnacle Pipeline Inspection on Meath Drive in South San Francisco. This company is using our street as there garage. This company is based in Campbell Ca. This is frustrating because I am a essential worker come home and can not even park on my street because these trucks are all here. It’s unfair that I pay taxes to SSF and this company from Campbell Ca larks their fleet here.
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Dear SIR or Madame..
we are the neightbore of the Address :3223 LOCKE Dr,SAN JOSE,CA 95111..Couple a months ago..somebody drove a R.V car and parking on the public side of the narrow street side..,he had plan to store this car as Home Station..,this is License Plate number ..CA 5CSR555 ..Model ELDORADO,Encore,Renewal sticked MAR 2005..,Please ,come to see and help our neighborhood CLEAN..
THANKS
Vo,
Please note our outreach is for South San Francisco and surrounding neighborhoods as we offer an online media source to share news & views of locals.
You would best be served by contacting the San Jose Police Department – HERE is a link to their website regarding abandoned vehicles which includes an online request form. SJPD can be reached M-F 8-5 at Phone: (408) 535-3850
We hope this helps you.
-ED