Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Apex vs Cary

Can I park my work truck or commercial van at my Apex house?

Yes, on the driveway. UDO Section 8.3.4 (Off-Street Parking and Loading - Location - Setbacks) provides: 'Off-street parking or storage of vehicles, travel trailers, or motor homes shall not be permitted within any front or street side setback area, provided that off-street parking may be permitted within that portion of any setback used for driveway access to required off-street parking areas. Storage of mobile homes is not permitted.' Apex does not impose a citywide weight or length cap on commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods, but HOA covenants in most Apex subdivisions impose additional, often stricter restrictions on visible commercial vehicles, work trailers, and signed work trucks, and are enforced privately by the HOA. On the public street, NCGS 20-162 prohibits parking in front of a private driveway, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station entrance, and within 25 feet of a curb-line intersection. Apex Police patrol officers handle on-street enforcement among other duties.

Can the Town tow my company work van for sitting on the street?

Only if it meets the abandoned, junked, health/safety hazard, or aesthetic nuisance criteria in Apex Code Chapter 20, Article III, and not if it is in regular business or personal use. NCGS 160A-303.2(b) provides: 'Any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall include a prohibition against removing or disposing of any motor vehicle that is used on a regular basis for business or personal use.' For an abandoned-vehicle case, the Apex Police Department uses Form F1313 - Abandoned, Junked and Disabled Vehicle Violation Checklist to document the violation, then notifies the owner with Form F1313a (Pre-towing Notice and Right to Appeal) by registered or certified mail with a return receipt requested, giving the owner 11 days to remove the vehicle. The owner may appeal under Apex Code Chapter 20, Article III, Section 20-36(b). Vehicles on private property cannot be inspected without consent from the owner, occupant, or lessee unless pursuant to NCGS 15-27.2.

Can I park a commercial truck at my house in Cary?

One personal-use work vehicle is generally allowed. Semi-trucks, heavy equipment, and large commercial vehicles are prohibited in residential zones.

Does my HOA have rules about work vehicles in Cary?

Many Cary HOAs restrict commercial vehicles beyond town regulations. Check your community covenants for specific rules.