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Resident complaints prompt Ward to adopt ordinance limiting heavy vehicles in residential areas
Summary
After sustained complaints from residents about large dump trucks parking and leaking substances in a neighborhood, the Ward City Council adopted a parking ordinance restricting vehicles exceeding one ton and semi-trailer types; staff said enforcement notices will be distributed and code enforcement will check compliance.
The Ward City Council on Oct. 21 adopted Ordinance 2025-21 to limit parking of commercial vehicles heavier than one ton and certain semi-trailer types in residential areas, after neighborhood residents described repeated problems with dump trucks parked on local streets.
"The dump trucks are repaired. Their maintenance is done on them...there's substances in the street," resident Cheryl Ecman told the council while identifying herself as an Oakland Grove neighborhood resident. Ecman said the trucks start between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., block driveways and leave stains and debris.
Councilmembers acknowledged the complaints and discussed enforcement. The mayor said the ordinance will be effective in 30 days, and staff will mail notice letters to residents and place notices on offending vehicles: "Notice that in 30 days... you can no longer park there," the mayor said. Code enforcement will follow up.
Ecman asked whether truck owners might claim the vehicles are not commercial; staff said such cases would be handled with legal counsel if needed. The council also heard that some vehicles display company names on the doors; staff said those instances would be pursued if encountered.
The ordinance passed on third reading and was adopted by roll call. Council members and staff emphasized communication to residents about the timeline and that enforcement will begin after notices are issued.
Enforcement and next steps - Code Enforcement will inspect reported locations and place notices on vehicles in the 30-day notice period. The council instructed staff to mail letters to affected residents explaining the change. If vehicle owners claim noncommercial status, the city attorney will be consulted.
Resident testimony Cheryl Ecman said the trucks "wake me up" and that the presence of large vehicles affects neighbors' ability to access driveways and could depress property values. She requested confirmation of the ordinance's effective date and whether the city would address substances left in the street; staff replied code would examine the sites and take action as appropriate.
The council’s vote implements a neighborhood-focused restriction intended to reduce noise, spill risks, and traffic impediments from oversized vehicles parked on residential streets.
