Elgin mulls big truck parking ban for safety, courtesy
p class="News">Three months ago, Elgin leaders announced they were considering an even-odd parking schedule to help improve the city's snow removal and leaf collection services.
Now, they are ready to take another step - this one to improve aesthetics and safety for residents.
City leaders tonight will review a change in parking laws that basically bans all large construction trucks, trailers and vans more than 8,000 pounds from parking on the street in residential areas.
Some of those vehicles will still be allowed on driveways, but only if they don't hang over the sidewalk or driveway apron, which is along the city's right of way.
Councilman David Kaptain said the measure, which was debated extensively by the city's Planning and Development Commission this spring, makes sense.
"It just got way, way out of hand," he said. "There's no reason why somebody has to look at work trucks like that. It's common sense and it's common courtesy to not (park in the street)."
The law will mandate a warning and then $50 fines for each violation. But trucks and vans with "B" license plates will be allowed on both streets and driveways.
Smaller work trucks and vans with company logos are allowed, but some specialty trucks, such as those equipped with bars to hold large sheets of glass or marble, are not. Vehicles, such as small busses, designed to transport 10 people or more also are forbidden from on-street parking.
City Manager Femi Folarin wrote in a memo to city leaders that the proposed amendment is intended to "raise the bar on the quality of the city's residential neighborhoods."
Folacin said this week that the law has some exceptions, such as if a truck was making a delivery to a home or work was being done at a site between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
"We get a lot of complaints, especially (for) trailers," he said, noting residents can report problems. But the city's code enforcement officers will be responsible for spotting violations and handing out citations.
"I'm sure if there are any violations, (homeowners) will respond to it as they've done in the past. This will give (code enforcement) ammunition for anyone who violates the ordinance."
City spokeswoman Sue Olafson said another positive from the law other than aesthetics would be improved safety. She said children crossing the street would be more visible without the presence of large trucks.
"Safety trumps all of that," she said.
The city leaders also will debate restricting off-street parking to even-odd days for four neighborhoods - Randall Ridge, the southern part of Cobblers Crossing, the Gifford and Summit park area, and Southwest Area Neighbors Association region up to Gertrude Street - for a trial period from September through March 2009.
If all goes well, the council could impose an even-odd parking schedule for the entire city for late 2009.
The alternative emerged as a possible solution after residents complained - and city officials acknowledged - poor response in snow removal and curbside leaf collection.
"The ideal way to do it would be year-round," Folarin said