Charlottesville, Virginia, has updated its city code to address the persistent issue of long-term vehicle storage on public streets. Aiming to improve parking availability for everyday use, the Charlottesville City Council has revised Section 15-144, introducing new regulations on overnight parking for specific types of vehicles. This update reflects a strategic approach to urban space management, essentially “Car Parking Coding” through legal frameworks to optimize street utilization.
The core of the revised code prohibits the overnight parking of certain large vehicles on city streets between midnight and 6:00 AM. This measure is designed to prevent public streets from becoming de facto storage lots for personal property. However, vehicles with city-issued parking permits are exempt from these restrictions.
Here’s a breakdown of the vehicle types now restricted from overnight street parking in Charlottesville:
- Large Commercial Vehicles: This includes semi-trucks and semi-trailers, as defined under Virginia Code § 46.2-1500, targeting large vehicles that occupy significant street space.
- Large Passenger Vans and Buses: Vehicles designed to carry more than 12 passengers, excluding city school buses and vans, are also prohibited. This targets oversized passenger vehicles not in active transport use.
- Vehicles with Specific License Plates: Vehicles bearing antique license plates or F-tag/Farm Use placards are included in the restrictions, ensuring these vehicle categories adhere to general parking rules.
- Boats and Recreational Vehicles: Boats and recreational vehicles (RVs), as defined by City Code § 34-1200, and trailers exceeding 20 feet in length are also banned from overnight street parking. This addresses large recreational equipment storage on public roads.
- Heavy Axle Vehicles: Any vehicle or trailer with more than two wheels per axle is restricted, focusing on heavy or specialized vehicles not typically intended for residential street parking.
Beyond vehicle types, the revised code also addresses other parking-related issues. Covering vehicles with tarps or covers that obstruct license plate or inspection decal visibility is now prohibited, ensuring law enforcement and parking officials can easily identify and monitor parked vehicles. Additionally, performing vehicle services or repairs on public streets, and parking vehicles at service stations awaiting repair, are also disallowed, maintaining street cleanliness and preventing public streets from becoming makeshift repair yards. Exemptions are made for emergency repairs, minor repairs by vehicle owners on their own legally parked vehicles, and temporary parking for vehicle transfer to repair facilities.
The Charlottesville Police Department will initially focus on educating vehicle owners and achieving voluntary compliance before moving to active enforcement. This phased approach allows residents time to understand and adjust to the new “car parking coding” rules.
For further information, citizens can contact Afton Schneider, Director of Communications & Public Engagement for the City of Charlottesville.
