Stanislaus County supervisors will review proposed changes to regulations on commercial truck parking in agricultural zones during their meeting on Tuesday. Over the past five years, officials have received more complaints about unpermitted parking of semi-trucks and trailers in unincorporated areas. These concerns include traffic safety, noise, damage to roads, and interference with farming.
A committee led by Supervisor Vito Chiesa and Planning Commission chairwoman Carmen Morad has been working since January to address the issue. They developed recommended amendments after consulting residents, trucking business owners, and advisory committees.
The American Trucking Association has stated that a shortage of truck parking facilities nationwide forces drivers to use unauthorized locations.
Supervisors will consider updates to rules for truck owners applying for home occupation business licenses and use permits for truck parking. In December, further land-use regulations may be discussed for larger facilities requiring general plan amendments.
Current rules allow rural homes to park up to three tractor-trailer rigs and three trailers. The new proposal would limit this to one tractor-trailer and two trailers.
Another suggested amendment would restrict the number of permitted truck parking facilities near state highways or interstates—no more than two within a mile radius—to avoid clustering of commercial uses. For areas farther from highways, only one facility per mile would be allowed unless separated by a physical barrier like a highway or river.
Sites with approved use permits could still accommodate up to 12 tractor-trailers and 24 trailers if all vehicles are registered in California. Use permits that meet requirements would be valid for five years with possible extensions for compliant facilities.
If passed, these amendments would affect pending use permit applications not yet reviewed by the Planning Commission as well as new or renewed home occupation businesses whose licenses have lapsed.
Currently, four applications are under review but none meet the proposed criteria due either to location restrictions or exceeding the 10-acre parcel limit.
On Tuesday’s agenda is also possible action against an illegal truck parking operation at the 2500 block of Lander Avenue near Turlock. A complaint last August confirmed trucks were parked there despite an expired permit. The county reports that those responsible have not corrected violations despite more than twelve inspections over the past year. If abatement proceeds, costs could become a lien against the property owner.
Supervisors may also address unpermitted parking at seven additional sites: Golf Road in Turlock; South Sperry Road in Denair; East Barnhart and Esmar roads in Ceres; Bangs Avenue in Modesto; Patterson Road in Riverbrank; and Sycamore Avenue near Patterson.
The Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday at Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th St., Modesto.
