Traffic commission recommends clearer overnight-parking ban, adds construction staging carve-out

The Rolling Hills Traffic Commission voted March 26 to recommend that the City Council amend municipal code 10.52.210 to prohibit overnight parking between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., and to explicitly exempt authorized emergency vehicles, city- or association-approved construction staging sites and physicians on professional calls.

Staff member Christian summarized the change as an effort to remove an enforcement loophole in the current ordinance that allows a vehicle to remain for up to an hour during the 2–4 a.m. window. Reading the proposed language, Christian said, "No person shall stop, leave standing, or park any motor vehicle between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. except for authorized emergency vehicles and/or the vehicle of any regularly licensed physician when engaged in making professional calls." He told commissioners the revision would make citations practical for deputies who encounter trailers or vehicles in easements overnight.

A deputy from the Sheriff’s Department described recent enforcement activity, reporting 15 citations for January–February, including 10 moving violations and five nonmoving citations, and noted data/reporting issues that staff expects to correct for the next meeting. "We're at 15 for the 2 months," the deputy said.

During public comment a resident asked whether the prohibition would apply to vendors and construction equipment. Commissioners amended the recommendation to add an explicit carve-out for "city or association-approved construction staging sites" so contractors staging work with prior approval would be excluded. The motion to approve the amended recommendation was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Commissioners also raised related concerns about vehicles and trailers blocking equestrian and bridle trails at locations such as Portuguese Bend Road; the commission directed staff to research trail widths and problem locations and to agendize a dedicated discussion of trail-blocking and daytime parking at a future meeting.

By rule the Traffic Commission is advisory; staff said the commission’s recommendation will be submitted to the City Council for public hearings, including first and second readings before any ordinance change would take effect. The commission adjourned after routine updates on striping and a staff report that the ADA portion of the tennis-court project will wrap up in two to three weeks.