Glendale's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Glendale, Arizona, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Glendale strictly limits commercial vehicle parking in residential areas. Only one commercial vehicle may be parked at a residence. Heavy commercial vehicles, tractors, semi-trailers, and buses are prohibited from parking on residential streets.

Key details: Residential Limit: 1 commercial vehicle. Heavy Vehicles: Prohibited on residential streets. Loading/Unloading: Exception during active use. State Definition: ARS §28-3001.

Parking citations. Towing for overweight or prohibited vehicles. Progressive enforcement through Code Compliance. HOA fines applied separately.

Compared to other cities, Glendale takes a harder line on commercial vehicle restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Street Parking Limits

Glendale regulates street parking under Chapter 24, Article IV (Special Parking Provisions). Vehicles must not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or driveways. Parking on unimproved surfaces is prohibited. Event parking near State Farm Stadium and Westgate has special restrictions.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 24, Art. IV. Surface: Paved/improved only. Events: Special restrictions near stadium. Complaints: Code Compliance Division.

Parking citations issued by Glendale PD. Fines vary by violation type. Vehicles blocking fire lanes or hydrants subject to immediate tow. Abandoned vehicles reported through Code Compliance.

Abandoned Vehicles

Glendale regulates abandoned and inoperable vehicles through Chapter 24 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) and Chapter 25 (Nuisances). Vehicles that are inoperable, unregistered, or left on public streets for extended periods are subject to removal. On private property, inoperable vehicles visible from the street or neighboring properties constitute a nuisance. The Glendale Police Department handles vehicles on public streets, while Code Compliance addresses private property violations.

Key details: Street Parking: 72-hour limit before tow. Expired Registration: Subject to immediate removal on public streets. Private Property: Inoperable vehicles must be in garage or screened from view. State Law: ARS 28-4801 et seq. governs abandoned vehicles. Enforcement: Police (streets), Code Compliance (private property).

Abandoned vehicles on public streets face towing after 72 hours. Inoperable vehicles visible on private property result in nuisance citations and orders to remove or screen the vehicle.

RV & Boat Parking

Glendale restricts RV parking in residential zones. RVs must be stored in enclosed garages, carports, or screened side/rear yards. RVs parked in public view on driveways have time limits. Living in an RV on residential property is prohibited.

Key details: Storage: Garage, carport, or screened yard. Screening: 6 ft block wall/fence. Living In RV: Prohibited. HOAs: Often stricter than city code.

Code Compliance citation. Progressive enforcement: notice of violation, followed by fines. Vehicles may be towed for egregious violations. HOA fines separate from city enforcement.

Driveway Rules

Glendale regulates driveways through the Unified Development Code (Chapter 35) and traffic provisions (Chapter 24). Driveways must be paved with approved materials (concrete, asphalt, pavers). Parking on unpaved surfaces, including dirt or gravel front yards, is prohibited in most residential zones. Driveway width, placement, and curb cut requirements are regulated by the Engineering division.

Key details: Surface Material: Concrete, asphalt, or approved pavers required. Unpaved Parking: Prohibited in front yards in most residential zones. Curb Cut: Engineering permit required. Width: Typically 10-24 ft for residential. Drainage: Must not increase runoff to public right-of-way.

Parking on unpaved surfaces or maintaining deteriorated driveways may result in nuisance citations and orders to repair or pave.

EV Charging

Glendale permits residential EV charger installation with a standard electrical permit. Arizona law (ARS 33-1818) prohibits HOAs from banning EV charger installations, though associations may impose reasonable installation standards. Level 2 (240V) chargers require an electrical permit and inspection. The city is expanding public EV charging infrastructure as part of regional transportation planning.

Key details: Permit: Electrical permit required for Level 2 (240V) installations. Level 1: Standard outlet charging typically permit-exempt. HOA Law: ARS 33-1818 prohibits HOA bans on EV chargers. Installation: Licensed electrician recommended for Level 2. Cables: Cannot run across sidewalks or public right-of-way.

Installing a Level 2 charger without an electrical permit may result in code enforcement action. Unsafe installations may be red-tagged for immediate correction.

Glendale is more permissive than most cities when it comes to ev charging. That said, there are still limits.

Overnight Parking

Glendale regulates overnight street parking through Chapter 24 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic). Vehicles may not be parked in the same location on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours. Specific areas may have posted no-parking signs with stricter time limits. RVs, trailers, and commercial vehicles have additional overnight parking restrictions in residential zones.

Key details: General Rule: 72-hour limit in same spot on public streets. Blanket Ban: No blanket overnight ban, but 72-hour rule applies. Event Areas: State Farm Stadium area may have event-day restrictions. RV/Trailers: Subject to 72-hour rule plus additional attention. Commercial Vehicles: Additional restrictions in residential zones.

Vehicles exceeding the 72-hour limit may be tagged and towed. Parking in violation of posted signs results in citations and potential towing.

The Bottom Line

Glendale's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glendale is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Glendale can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.