Elgin restricts parking of big trucks, trailers

Ever had a large dump truck park in front of your house for weeks on end?

How about peering out of your bay window to seek a pickup truck with a landscaping trailer?

If you live in Elgin, those days are numbered.

City leaders Wednesday night signed off on a ban for large construction trucks, trailers and vans weighing more than 8,000 pounds from parking on the street in residential areas.

"I don't see why anyone would bring a trailer to their home," said Councilman John Walters. "I don't know of anyone who would bring a dump truck home."

City officials believe they have struck a balance between extreme instances and blue-collar people in the trades who need to bring their work vehicles home.

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 allowed.

Some 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.

Trucks and vans with "B" license plates will be allowed on both streets and driveways.

Violators face $50 fines for each instance.

Exceptions are allowed if work is being done at a site or if the driver is making a delivery.

Jerry Deering, the city's community development director, said the initial plan that was brought before the plan commission in the spring was more restrictive than the one just passed.

The first version banned most pickup trucks and commercial vans from off-street parking, he said.

Deering said the city will have a 30-day "education period" before writing tickets.