Stonecrest Council revises parking regulations for commercial vehicles in residential areas

The Stonecrest City Council made significant strides in addressing parking regulations for commercial vehicles during their meeting on April 28, 2025. The council approved a text amendment to section 6.1.3 of the city code, which aims to clarify and tighten restrictions on where commercial vehicles can park, particularly in residential areas.

The revised regulations now prohibit the parking of commercial vehicles—including semi-trucks, dump trucks, and delivery trucks—on residential properties unless the vehicle is actively engaged in business-related work or unloading. This change comes in response to community concerns about the increasing number of commercial trucks parked overnight in residential neighborhoods, which residents argue disrupts the community's aesthetic and safety.

Council members expressed a strong commitment to enforcing these new rules. One council member noted, "We want to send the message that there is something we are going to do about it and soon." The revisions aim to eliminate previous exceptions that allowed for more leniency in parking commercial vehicles in various zoning districts, ensuring that only vehicles directly associated with a business and actively in use can remain parked in residential areas.

During the public hearing, residents raised concerns about specific scenarios, such as on-call vehicles and those used for home-based businesses. The council assured attendees that exceptions would be made for vehicles associated with legitimate business activities, provided the driver is present. The community development director confirmed that both code enforcement and community development departments have aligned on the new regulations, ensuring clarity and effective enforcement.

As the council moves forward, they plan to educate the public about these changes and work closely with code enforcement to address violations promptly. The council's proactive approach aims to enhance the quality of life in Stonecrest by maintaining the integrity of residential neighborhoods while accommodating legitimate business needs.