Columbus, IN Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Section 10.28.270 of the Columbus Municipal Code sets the rules for curb loading zones. Under subsection A, the Board of Public Works and Safety, after recommendation from the city engineer, designates the areas approved for curb loading zones, including the relevant time limits or other restrictions. All zones and restrictions are as marked, so the hours on the sign control.

Subsection B sets position: in no case can a person stop, stand or park in a loading zone other than parallel with the curb or edge of the roadway, headed in the direction of lawful traffic movement, with the wheels nearest the curb within eighteen inches of the curb or edge.

Subsection C sets purpose: no person can stop, stand or park a vehicle for any purpose or length of time other than for the expeditious unloading and delivery or pickup and loading of materials, in any place marked as a curb loading zone, during the hours when the zone rules are in effect.

Related sections. Section 10.28.050 lets persons park or stand certain commercial vehicles in assigned curb loading zones on streets signed for angle parking. Section 10.28.060 authorizes the city traffic engineer to issue special permits for backing a vehicle to the curb to load or unload merchandise or materials, to the owner or lessee of real property or to the vehicle owner. Section 10.28.090 bars a commercial vehicle in an alley for any purpose other than expeditious unloading and delivery or pickup and loading, and the stop cannot exceed thirty minutes. Section 10.28.280 creates a separate city bus loading zone, where other vehicles are barred during posted bus hours and may be towed at the owner's expense.

Section 10.28.350 makes a time limit or prohibition ineffective unless signs are in place, and Section 10.28.330 excuses reasonable loading and unloading time as a violation of the chapter.