Trucks in a Residential Area
The zoning ordinance contains restrictions on parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas:
A commercial vehicle is defined as: limousine, flatbed truck, dump truck, tow truck, transport wrecker, bus, school bus, cab-on-chassis truck, tractor-trailer, semi-trailer, wheeled attachment or trailer, earth-moving machinery, any vehicle with exposed equipment or materials used in commercial activities, or which is over twenty-two feet in length, eight feet in height or seven feet in width and is used in commercial activities.
In all residential zoning districts, the parking or storage of any commercial vehicles is prohibited except under the following circumstances:
(1) Such commercial vehicle is parked or stored in a fully enclosed structure that meets all other criteria for the zoning district; or
(2) Such commercial vehicle is temporarily parked or standing for less than eight hours, unless engaged in providing services for the property owner. (Note: This means the owner of a commercial vehicle is allowed to bring their commercial vehicle home, such as a semi-truck with or without the trailer attached, so long as the vehicle is there for less than eight hours. If those trucks are engaged in providing services to the property owner, they are allowed to be there longer (for example, a moving van).
Also, one car, one pick-up truck, one van, or one sports utility vehicle with exposed equipment or materials per residence is allowed as long as it is in compliance with the length, height and width requirements set forth above; further provided one school bus (defined as a motor vehicle operated for the transportation of school children to and from school or school activities) is allowed as long as it is not parked on the street and so long as the vehicle does not create a blind intersection or block the road to preclude travel.
The Albany Police Department and Albany Code Enforcement Department share enforcement responsibilities. Complaints can be made to the 311 Center Monday through Friday, or after hours by calling the public safety dispatchers at their non-emergency number at 431-2132.