Board asks staff to codify tow-truck parking policy after business group complaint

A group representing tow-truck operators returned to the Hernando County Board Tuesday to press for final action on a previously discussed change that would allow a single tow truck to be parked at an operator’s residence while on call.

Attorney Diana Aurelio said she and several tow companies were told the board had voted to allow on‑call parking at an operator’s residence but a code change was never enacted and the ordinance language still bans residential parking for many commercial vehicles. “This is going on way over almost a year and a half now and nothing has been changed,” Aurelio told commissioners.

Development Services Director Omar Depawal said staff implemented a policy to allow on‑call tow trucks tied to contracts and registration, but the policy was not codified. Depawal told the board the department can bring a code‑rewrite package back to the board; he acknowledged enforcement and code‑compliance leadership changes had slowed formal rewrite work.

Commissioners discussed practical options: limiting the exception to drivers who are on contract with public agencies or have placards, restricting front‑yard parking and setting tonnage/height thresholds so semi‑tractors cannot be parked in residential yards. Commissioner Loco and others stressed the intent was not to permit permanent commercial storage but to allow drivers on call to have access to their equipment.

The board did not adopt an ordinance Tuesday but indicated consensus to have staff return with a draft code amendment that would codify the on‑call exception and include identification (placard/sticker) and tonnage limits for residential parking.

What’s next: staff will draft a formal code amendment and return to the board for review; code enforcement will continue to use the interim policy while the rewrite is prepared.