Petaluma, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Sonoma County Code Chapter 18, Article III defines a 'Loading Zone' as the space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or materials, and a 'Passenger Loading Zone' as the space reserved for loading or unloading passengers only (Sec. 18-3.1). Sec. 18-3.3(d) authorizes loading zones, passenger loading zones, and bus loading zones, and sets their limits: standing or parking in a loading zone is for loading or unloading passengers or freight only, must not last longer than necessary, and unless otherwise specified may not exceed 20 minutes (holidays excepted). Under Sec. 18-3.4, where these zones are established and signs or curb markings are in place, no one may stop, park, or leave a vehicle standing in violation of the posted zone rules during their effective hours. The curb-color system is set by California Vehicle Code Sec. 21458: yellow indicates stopping only to load or unload passengers or freight for the time specified by local ordinance, and white indicates stopping only for loading or unloading passengers (or depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox). The County's Public Works Director (Sonoma Public Infrastructure) installs and maintains the curb paint and signs that make a loading zone enforceable.