Ventura Commercial Vehicle Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The San Buenaventura Municipal Code addresses commercial vehicle parking in residential areas through a combination of traffic regulations and zoning provisions. The core restriction prohibits vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) from being parked on residential streets for extended periods or overnight. This threshold captures large commercial delivery trucks, flatbed trucks, dump trucks, semi-tractors, tow trucks, box trucks, and similar heavy commercial vehicles. The purpose of the restriction is to protect residential street pavement from the accelerated wear caused by heavy vehicles, preserve neighborhood aesthetics, and ensure emergency vehicle access.

For tradespeople and contractors who use work vans, pickup trucks, or light commercial vehicles as part of their employment, the rules are more permissive. A licensed plumber, electrician, or contractor driving a full-size work van or pickup with a service body under the weight threshold may generally park on a residential street while visiting a job site or at their own residence, subject to standard parking time limits. However, vehicles parked for the purpose of commercial advertising — where the primary function is to display signage, graphics, or commercial messaging to the neighborhood — may be subject to the city's sign regulations, which limit advertising signs in residential areas.

Detached commercial trailers, utility trailers carrying commercial equipment, and standalone semi-trailers are prohibited from being parked on public streets in residential neighborhoods. These trailers are also subject to zoning code restrictions on outdoor storage when kept on private residential property. Boats, recreational vehicles, and personal trailers are separately regulated under the city's RV and trailer parking provisions. Residents who observe chronic commercial vehicle parking violations — including semi-trucks idling overnight on residential streets — may report them to the Ventura Police Department parking enforcement division or to the city's Code Compliance Division.