Santa Monica, CA Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum width in residential zones
- 8 feet
- Maximum height in residential zones
- 8 feet
- Applies in
- All residential districts (Article 9)
- Exemptions
- Active commercial work, emergency, loading/unloading
Summary
Commercial vehicles that exceed 8 feet in width or 8 feet in height may not park on any residential district street or alley except when actively making commercial deliveries, in an emergency, or for loading and unloading. Smaller commercial vehicles face no special restriction.
§ 3.12.870. Height and width restrictions. No person shall park any commercial vehicle on a public street or alley in a residential district as established by Article 9 of this Code, except when actively engaged in commercial activities, in the event of an emergency, or for the purpose of loading and unloading, if any part of such commercial vehicle, together with fixtures or property thereon, if any, measures more than eight feet in width or eight feet in height. (Prior code § 3374A1; added by Ord. No. 867CCS, adopted 3/23/71; amended by Ord. No. 2403CCS § 33, adopted 7/24/12; Ord. No. 2587CCS § 1, adopted 9/11/18)
Full Breakdown
The restriction applies in all residential districts as established by Article 9 of the Municipal Code. The exemptions cover vehicles actively engaged in commercial activities at the time of parking, emergency situations, and loading or unloading operations, allowing brief stops even for oversized commercial vehicles. The restriction is on parking, not transit; commercial vehicles may travel through residential streets on approved truck routes.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a civil parking penalty. Oversized commercial vehicles parked in violation in residential areas may be cited and towed. General traffic chapter penalties are up to $250 (infraction) or $1,000 (misdemeanor) plus up to 6 months imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my work truck park in front of my home in a residential neighborhood?
Can a delivery truck stop on my residential street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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