Aliso Viejo, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Chapter 9.04 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code, Stopping, Standing and Parking of Vehicles, sets two layers of loading zone rules. Section 9.04.020 authorizes the director to place signs or markings creating the zones. Under § 9.04.020(B), a loading zone extends for a distance not to exceed 50 feet in length for loading and unloading passengers or materials. Under § 9.04.020(C), a passenger loading zone extends for a distance not to exceed 100 feet for loading and unloading passengers. The definitions in § 9.02.030 describe a loading zone as the space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or materials, and a passenger loading zone as the same space reserved for passengers only. The director is the director of public works/traffic engineer for the city or a designee.

The use rule is § 9.04.040(A). No operator can stop, stand, park or leave standing any vehicle, attended or unattended, within a loading zone for any purpose other than unloading or loading of passengers or materials. A stop for passengers cannot exceed five minutes, and a stop for materials cannot exceed 20 minutes. The section carves out stops necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with the direction of a police officer, another authorized officer or an official traffic control device.

The chapter prints durations, not clock hours. Under § 9.04.010(A), parking prohibitions apply at all times or at those times specified in the chapter, and the director keeps an inventory of every parking restriction under § 9.04.030, with a copy furnished to the city clerk.

A vehicle left in a zone where the chapter prohibits parking can be removed under § 9.04.070(C), provided signs are posted giving notice that vehicles may be removed. Under § 9.02.090(B), parking and standing rules do not apply to a vehicle of a city department or public utility while in use for construction or repair work. Bus stop zones are separate: up to 170 feet, or 150 feet at a school bus stop, under § 9.04.020(A).