Ames, IA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Ames Municipal Code Sec. 18.30 designates a downtown truck loading zone bounded by the north curb of Lincoln Way, the south curb of Hunt, the east curb of Stanton and the west curb of Hayward, where vehicles otherwise cannot stop, stand or park to load or unload freight. Within listed loading spots on Hayward, Lincoln Way, Chamberlain, the Welch parking lot and Stanton Avenue, freight-only discharge runs 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday (6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays at the Lincoln Way spot), and no motorcycle, car, pickup, van or other vehicle 20 feet or less may occupy those zones during restricted hours for any reason, including deliveries.

Sec. 18.30.1 separately creates marked commercial loading zones, defined as needing a professionally, permanently painted commercial vehicle identifiable as belonging to a specific enterprise; only such a vehicle may park there, and only for up to 30 minutes while actively loading or unloading goods bound for nearby premises. The Chief of Police or a designee may tow and impound any vehicle violating either loading-zone section until towing and storage costs are paid, on top of an illegal-parking charge that can still be filed separately by an officer on the scene.