The Watsonville City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance that largely prohibits oversized vehicles from parking on city streets, while adding several exceptions at the request of council members.
As originally written, the ordinance would have barred vehicles more than 7 feet tall, 7 1/2 feet wide or 22 feet long from parking on any public street, roadway, alley, City-owned or maintained parking lot, or other public place.
It also applies to vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
Councilman Casey Clark raised concerns about the proposed limits, saying his unmodified truck would be considered oversized under the ordinance.
Clark, who works in mental health, also said the passenger vans he uses to transport developmentally disabled clients are about 8 feet tall.
Councilwoman Vanessa Quiroz-Carter agreed, saying her district includes neighborhoods and properties with little to no off-street parking.
“Where are they supposed to park?” she asked. “I have neighbors who have those vehicles. There is no parking in my neighborhood.”
Watsonville Police Capt. Mish Radich said the ordinance was intended to address large vehicles parked for long periods of time, which can block access, reduce sightlines and visibility at intersections and crosswalks, and create hazardous traffic conditions for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Under the ordinance, officers would be able to post a notice on a vehicle and tow it after 24 hours if it is not moved.
Violations could result in a citation, towing, or both, with towing at the owner’s expense under state vehicle code authority.
Radich said enforcement would not begin until the city posts 25 signs at entrances to Watsonville and 10 additional signs in areas where oversized vehicle parking has been a bigger problem.
The signs would cost about $250 each—roughly $6,250 total—and would be funded using gas tax revenue, he said.
Rosalie Ramer of Auto Care Towing told the council the company has vehicles stationed throughout the city to respond quickly to emergencies.
The company, which is licensed by the city to tow vehicles, purchased its Kearney Street site in the industrial area so it could park large trucks without creating problems in residential neighborhoods.
“We commonly find ourselves in situations where minutes matter,” Ramer said.
After discussion, the council agreed to raise the vehicle height limit to 8 feet and added exemptions for city-licensed tow trucks parked in industrial zones. The council also added passenger vans to the list of exempt vehicles.
The ordinance will go for a second reading and approval on Feb. 10. If approved, it will take effect 30 days later.
