Santa Clara County, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 20 minutes max
- Default hours
- 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Curb marking
- Painted yellow
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county roads only
Summary
Commercial loading zones on unincorporated county roads cap loading stops at 20 minutes, with default hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
No person shall stop, stand or park any motor vehicle in a commercial loading zone except for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or freight, and in no event for more than 20 minutes, holidays excepted.
(Ord. No. NS-1004.121, § 1, 11-3-80)
Sec. B12-132. - Marking of commercial loading zones. Whenever this article establishes a commercial loading zone, the top and face of the curb of the section so established shall be painted yellow; and one sign shall be erected at each end of said zone giving notice of the nature and effective hours thereof.
(Ord. No. NS-1004.121, § 1, 11-3-80)
Sec. B12-133. - Effective hours for commercial loading zones. Unless otherwise specified, the effective hours for commercial loading zones shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(Ord. No. NS-1004.121, § 1, 11-3-80)
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Sec. B12-134. - Commercial loading zones designated. The following described portions of the hereinafter mentioned public highways in the County are hereby declared to be congested areas designated as commercial loading zones and subject to the prohibition set forth in Section B12-131:
Name of Street Description Bascom Avenue, South On west side from a point 100 feet north of Renova Drive to a point 50 feet northerly thereof. Bayou Road In front of maintenance building at Lick Observatory. Brooklyn Avenue On east side from a point 80 feet from the north property line of West San Carlos Street to a point 40 feet northerly thereof.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, the Board of Supervisors designates commercial loading zones on county roads, marked with yellow curb paint and signage at each end. A vehicle may stop there only to load or unload passengers or freight, and never for more than 20 minutes, holidays excepted. Unless a sign specifies otherwise, the zone is in effect from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This applies only outside the fifteen cities, each of which sets its own loading-zone rules.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 20-minute limit or parking in a marked commercial loading zone without loading or unloading freight or passengers is a citable parking violation enforceable by County staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these hours apply inside San Jose or Sunnyvale?
Can I park in a commercial loading zone to run an errand?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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