Imperial County, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Loading and unloading in unincorporated Imperial County is addressed both in the county parking chapter and in state curb-marking law. Section 10.24.010 of Title 10, Chapter 10.24 states that the 72-hour standing prohibition does not apply to a commercial vehicle while it is loading or unloading passengers or merchandise, recognizing active loading as a legitimate temporary stop. Where the county marks loading curbs, the colors follow California Vehicle Code Section 21458: a yellow curb means stopping only to load or unload passengers or freight for the time specified by local ordinance, and a white curb means stopping only to load or unload passengers, or to deposit mail in an adjacent mailbox. A red curb means no stopping, standing or parking at all (except a bus in a marked bus loading zone). These restrictions take effect on the days and during the hours prescribed by the county's ordinances and only where the curb has actually been painted or signed. Off-street loading requirements for commercial and industrial development are handled separately through the Title 9 Land Use Ordinance during site-plan and permit review rather than through the traffic code.