Charleston, WV Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 30 minutes max
- Permit
- Loading zone permit required
- Fine
- $25, $50 if late
- Extension
- Only with parking director's OK
- Enforcement
- Vehicle may be impounded
Summary
Charleston caps stops in on-street loading zones at 30 minutes and requires a loading zone permit, with the parking department authorized to establish and sign each zone citywide.
No person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle for any purpose or any length of time in any space designated as a loading zone by the director of the parking under and pursuant to the provisions of section 114-575, except while such vehicle is being used in the business of loading or unloading as provided in section 114-575 and has a loading zone permit. In no case shall a lawful stop within a loading zone exceed one-half hour, except where special permission from the director of parking has been obtained for such extension. Any vehicle stopping, standing or parking in a loading zone established by the director of parking pursuant to section 114-575, for any purpose other than loading or unloading as provided in section 114-575 of this Code may be impounded by the police department pursuant to the provisions of section 114-552.
(Code 1975, § 31-207; Bill No. 7753, 8-7-2017; Bill No. 7815, 5-6-2019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Sec. 114-575, the director of parking (with the traffic director and city council's planning/streets and traffic committee) designates on-street loading zones by sign where no adequate off-street loading exists. Sec. 114-576 then limits use: a vehicle may stop in a marked loading zone only while actually loading or unloading and only if it holds a loading zone permit, and a lawful stop may not exceed one-half hour unless the parking director grants special permission to extend it.
Violations & Fines
Improper loading-zone use draws a $25.00 fine ($50.00 if unpaid within ten days, Sec. 114-3(c)), and vehicles parked in a loading zone for any purpose other than permitted loading or unloading may be impounded by police under Sec. 114-552.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I park in a Charleston loading zone?
Do I need a permit to use a loading zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
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