9-4-7: VEHICLES ON PARKING AREA:

   A.   Generally: The parking of motor vehicles upon parking areas shall not be allowed unless the city manager, or designee, on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, establishes parking on the area in a designated commercial zone by installing and maintaining traffic controls.

   B.   Standards: If the city manager, or designee, establishes parking of motor vehicles upon the parking area within a designated area, parking shall be for the use of the general public. The following standards shall apply:

      1.   The curb adjacent to the roadway shall be cut to provide ingress and egress for the area specified.

      2.   The parking area designated shall be paved with equivalent material used in paving the adjacent roadway, and adequate drainage shall be provided.

      3.   In parking areas, no vehicle shall park:

         a.   Within ten feet (10') of a crosswalk.

         b.   Within five feet (5') of a driveway other than the ingress and egress drive of the designated area.

         c.   Adjacent to the five (5) linear feet of curb closest to a fire hydrant. Where the street has no curb, this prohibition applies to the five (5) linear feet of road surface closest to the fire hydrant.

      4.   No vehicle shall park in such designated area so as to leave less than five feet (5') of the sidewalk for the use of pedestrians. (1978 Code §23-245; amd. 1994 Code; Ord. 97-3765, 1-14-1997; Ord. 09-4346, 6-16-2009)

9-4-8: RESERVED PARKING SPACES:

   A.   Reserved Space For Funerals: Where it is necessary to hold a funeral service in a metered zone, the funeral director may be authorized by the city manager, or designee, to post an approved "No Parking" sign. Such signs shall be posted by the funeral director before the service at a time equal to the maximum allowed in the parking zone plus one-half (1/2) hour. All such signs must be removed by the funeral director within one-half (1/2) hour after the close of the funeral. All funeral "No Parking" signs shall be furnished by the funeral directors and be of a design approved by the city manager, or designee. (1978 Code §23-248; amd. Ord. 97-3765, 1-14-1997)

   B.   Reserved Space For Construction:

      1.   Permit Required; Fee:

         a.   Contractors doing construction or excavation in, by or near a metered parking space may reserve one or more such metered spaces upon showing that the reservation of the space is necessary to accomplish the work. The fee for reservation of a metered parking space for each enforcement day or fraction thereof shall be as provided in the schedule of fees, title 3, chapter 4 of this code.

         b.   All payments shall be made in advance of the issuance of such permits. Hoods shall be placed on such reserved meter spaces. Meter hoods shall bear the following message: "No Parking, Reserved Stall, Commercial Vehicles Only. Violators Will Be Towed". When it is necessary to remove meters and posts for construction, the contractor shall place a sign bearing the same message adjacent to each reserved space. The contractor will be charged any costs incurred to remove and replace such meters.

      2.   Contractor's Guarantee: A contractor who desires to reserve a meter space agrees to maintain the meter hoods or required signage and to indemnify and defend the city for any claims, costs or damages which result from the reservation of such space.

      3.   Unauthorized Use Of Reserved Space:

         a.   No person shall park a vehicle in a reserved meter space without authorization of the contractor reserving same.

         b.   Vehicles parked in a reserved space may be towed as provided by chapter 9 of this title. (1978 Code §23-249; amd. 1994 Code)

9-4-9: PARKING DURING SNOW EMERGENCIES 1 :

   A.   Purpose: The purpose of this section is to provide a system to declare and notify persons of snow emergencies and enforce the provisions for same. Without such provisions, cars remain parked on city streets, impairing effective plowing and snow removal. Consequently, potential hazards are created by unplowed snow and cars parking too far from the curb.

B. Parking Regulations During Snow Emergencies And Exemptions: The city manager or designee shall declare a snow emergency when the city manager or designee finds, on the basis of falling snow, sleet, freezing rain or on the basis of a forecast by the United States weather bureau or on the basis of any other weather service, that weather conditions will make it necessary for motor vehicle traffic to be expedited and for parking on certain city streets to be prohibited or restricted for snow plowing or other purposes. The following parking regulations shall be in effect during snow emergencies:

      1.   On all streets where parking is allowed on both sides, vehicles shall be parked on only the even street numbered side of the street on even days of the month after eight o'clock (8:00) A.M.

      2.   On all streets where parking is allowed on both sides, vehicles shall be parked on only the odd street numbered side of the street on odd days of the month after eight o'clock (8:00) A.M.

      3.   On all streets where parking is allowed on only one side, vehicles shall be parked on only the even street numbered side of the street on even days of the month after eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. and shall be parked on only the odd street numbered side of the street on odd days of the month after eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. No parking shall be permitted on the side of the street where parking is prohibited.

      4.   All other posted parking regulations and prohibitions shall remain in effect. For example, on all streets where odd-even calendar parking or other restrictions are posted, those restrictions shall continue in force and effect notwithstanding subsections B1 and B2 of this section.

      5.   These regulations shall not apply to metered parking spaces, designated loading zones, and those streets located within the central business district, which, starting at the intersection of Burlington and Gilbert Streets, is bounded by Iowa Avenue to the north, Capitol Street to the west, Burlington Street to the south and Gilbert Street to the east, with the entirety of the right of way of said central business district included within this exemption.

   C.   Effective Time Of Snow Emergency: A snow emergency shall take effect not earlier than four (4) hours after it is declared, except if a snow emergency is declared after eight o'clock (8:00) P.M., it shall not take effect until eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. the next day, unless otherwise indicated in the declaration. A snow emergency shall be in force for a minimum of forty eight (48) hours after taking effect unless canceled or changed under subsection D of this section.

   D.   Declaration And Notice:

      1.   The city manager or designee shall declare a snow emergency by written signed notice, filed with the city clerk, stating the beginning and ending time for the period of snow emergency, which ending time shall be a minimum of forty eight (48) hours after taking effect. If the office of the city clerk is closed, the city manager or designee shall file such notice promptly when the office next is open during normal business hours.

      2.   The city manager or designee may cancel such declaration or change the beginning or ending time. Notice as provided in subsection D1 of this section shall be given for such cancellations or changes.

      3.   The city manager or designee shall inform the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area radio and television stations and the Iowa City newspapers of the snow emergency declaration and when the snow emergency parking regulations for Iowa City will be in effect and ask that public service announcements be made.

      4.   The public works director or designee shall post information concerning the snow emergency declaration, when the snow emergency parking regulations for Iowa City will be in effect and summarizing the regulations on the city website and shall post signs on all major highways and streets entering the city at or reasonably near the city limits, informing motorists that a snow emergency has been declared and alternate side parking is required.

      5.   The city manager or designee may take such other actions to inform the public of the snow emergency as appropriate.

   E.   Towing Of Improperly Parked Vehicles: Any vehicle found to be parked where not permitted during a snow emergency will be issued a notice of parking violation pursuant to section 9-4-14 of this chapter and towed to a place designated for the storage of impounded vehicles pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. 08-4321, 11-18-2008)

 

Notes

1	1. See also subsection 6-1-2K and sections 10-5-5 and 16-1A-8 of this code.

9-4-10: PARKING FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING:

   A.   Loading Zones Designated: Loading zones and passenger loading zones shall be established and marked by signs. (1994 Code)

   B.   Parking In Passenger Loading Zones: No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle for any purpose or period of time other than for the loading or unloading of passengers in any place marked as a passenger loading zone during hours when the regulations applicable to such loading zone are effective, and then only for a period not to exceed three (3) minutes. Any vehicle in a passenger loading zone shall be attended by either a driver or valet at all times. (1978 Code §23-288; amd. Ord. 06-4241, 11-14-2006)

   C.   Standing In Loading Zones Designated For Loading And Unloading Property:

      1.   Generally:

         a.   No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in a place marked as a loading zone, except to load or unload property, during hours when the provisions applicable to such zones are in effect. A stop for loading or unloading property shall not exceed fifteen (15) minutes.

         b.   A vehicle driver may stop temporarily at a loading zone to load or unload passengers when stopping will not interfere with any vehicle waiting to enter or about to enter the zone to load or unload property.

      2.   Commercial Vehicle Loading Zone: Only commercial vehicles which are properly designated as such may stop, stand or park in a loading zone designated "Commercial Vehicle Loading Zone". No person shall stop, stand or park a commercial vehicle in any place marked as a commercial vehicle loading zone during hours when the provisions applicable to such zones are in effect except to load and unload commercial property. No stop shall exceed thirty (30) minutes.

   D.   Public Carrier Stops And Stands:

      1.   Established: Bus stands, taxicab stands and stands for other passenger and common carrier motor vehicles shall be established by the city manager, or designee, and marked by official signs. No persons shall stop, stand, or park within sixty feet (60') in advance of a public carrier stop denoting a "No Parking" sign or symbol.

      2.   Stopping, Standing And Parking Of Buses And Taxicabs Regulated:

         a.   Buses:

            (1)   The driver of a bus shall not stand or park a bus on a street any place except a designated bus stand.

            (2)   When the driver of a bus enters a bus stop, bus stand or passenger loading zone to load or unload passengers or baggage, the right front wheel of the bus shall be no more than eighteen inches (18") from the curb, and the bus shall parallel the curb so as not to unduly impede other vehicular traffic.

         b.   Taxicabs: The driver of a taxicab may temporarily stop in accordance with other stopping or parking regulations at any place while actually engaged in the expeditious loading or unloading of passengers.

      3.   Restricted Use Of Bus And Taxicab Stands: No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle other than a bus in a bus stop or other than a taxicab in a taxicab stand when any such stop or stand has been officially designated and appropriately signed, except the driver of a passenger vehicle may temporarily stop to load or unload passengers if the vehicle does not interfere with any bus or taxicab entering such zone.

   E.   Loading Or Unloading At An Angle To Curb: Loading or unloading from a vehicle backed to park at an angle to the curb shall be lawful only pursuant to special permit issued for that purpose by the city manager, or designee. The permit shall contain special terms or conditions and may be issued to the owner of the vehicle or to the owner or lessee of the real property to which the vehicle backs and parks.

   F.   Curbside Pick-up and Delivery: No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in a space that has been officially designated and signed for Curbside Pick-up and Delivery for more than ten (10) minutes and except to engage in curbside pick-up and delivery.

   G.   Enforcement: It shall be unlawful and a violation of the provisions of this section for any owner or driver to permit a vehicle to remain in violation of this section. Every thirty (30) minutes that a vehicle remains in violation after the vehicle is initially cited shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. In the case of passenger loading zones and curbside pick-up and delivery spaces every ten (10) minutes that a vehicle remains in violation after the vehicle is initially cited shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. The fees for each such parking offense shall be provided in the schedule of fees set out in title 3, chapter 4 of this code. (1978 Code §§

9-4-11: PARKING FOR PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES:

   A.   In addition to the parking spaces designated by the city manager, or designee, for use by persons with physical disabilities, the owner of private property parking may also designate parking spaces for the exclusive use of persons with physical disabilities. The private property parking owner shall clearly and prominently mark parking spaces so designated.

   B.   No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any parking space designated and signed as reserved for the use of persons with physical disabilities unless the vehicle displays an identification device issued pursuant to the code of Iowa, as amended. (1994 Code; amd. Ord. 97-3765, 1-14-1997)

9-4-12: REMOVAL OF PARKING TAGS OR MARKS PROHIBITED:

No person shall remove, alter or destroy any tag or mark placed upon any vehicle by a peace officer, but once the tag or mark has been placed, the driver of such vehicle may remove the tag prior to driving the vehicle. (1978 Code §23-247; amd. 1994 Code)

9-4-13: FIRE LANES:

   A.   Designation: The fire chief or authorized representative shall approve, require, and designate public and/or private fire lanes as deemed necessary for the efficient and effective operation of fire vehicles, personnel, and apparatus. Only those fire lanes approved by the fire chief or authorized representative will be enforced. A fire lane shall be posted with signs at least every forty (40) linear feet. Said fire lane shall be deemed to encompass that area within a twenty foot (20') radius of any fire lane sign or markings posted pursuant to this section. Posted signs will comply with the "Manual Of Uniform Traffic Control Devices" and at a minimum contain the following language: "FIRE LANE NO PARKING". Markings may include a painted yellow striped area measuring eight feet (8') from the curb/pavement edge and extending twenty feet (20') either side of a posted sign. Upon application to and approval by the fire chief or authorized representative, a private property owner may be granted a fire lane designation for such property. Installation of approved signage on private property will be the responsibility of the permit applicant/property owner. If an applicant/property owner is required by the city to post a fire lane, upon request, the signs will be provided by the city at cost or the applicant/property owner can obtain an approved sign from a vendor. When an area is posted as a fire lane as provided herein, it shall be presumed that said area is designated as a fire lane by or with the authority of the fire chief.

   B.   Parking Prohibited: It shall be unlawful to have an unattended vehicle standing, stopped, or parked in or otherwise blocking or obstructing any portion of a designated fire lane at any time. Signs and markings shall be posted and placed to identify such fire lanes and to serve notice that standing, stopping, and/or parking is prohibited therein. Such illegally parked vehicles will be subject to fines and/or towing at the expense of the owner. All designated fire lane signs shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and replaced when necessary to ensure adequate visibility. This maintenance shall be the responsibility of the permit applicant/property owner.

   C.   Penalty: Any violation of this section shall be considered a simple misdemeanor or municipal infraction as provided for in title 1, chapter 4 of this code.

   D.   Enforcement: It will be the responsibility of the police department to enforce the provisions of this section as they apply to both public and private properties. The Iowa City police department is hereby authorized to ticket, tow, or cause to be towed, pursuant to the code of Iowa, as amended, any vehicle that has been parked or placed upon the public or private street in violation of the parking laws of this city and/or state. This shall serve as appropriate notice of such authorization to the Iowa City police department under the code of Iowa, as amended. By applying for a fire lane designation, any applicant/private property owner and its employees and assigns hereby agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the city, its officers, employees, and agents from any damages or liability resulting from any ticketing or towing authorized under this section.

   E.   Presumption Of Liability: The fact that a vehicle that is illegally parked is registered in the name of a person will be considered prima facie proof that such person was in control of the vehicle at the time of such parking. (Ord. 98-3846, 8-25-1998)