(A) All streets classified as local shall be designed for and restricted to a seven-ton axle loading unless posted otherwise. All streets classified as collectors and all municipal state aid streets shall be designed for and restricted to a nine-ton axle loading unless otherwise posted. The Director of Engineering may impose lower load limits on streets if, in the judgement of the Director of Engineering, the structural integrity of the street warrants the action. Signs shall be posted indicating the lower load limit.
(B) Anyone operating a vehicle upon a city street in violation of division (A) above shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(C) During the spring load limit period (as designated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation), all seven-ton axle-loading streets shall be restricted to a five-ton axle-loading streets. During the period of time, all nine-ton axle-loading streets shall be reduced to a seven-ton axle loading. All other posted streets shall be restricted to an axle loading of one ton less than the posted limit.
(D) The Director of Engineering may issue special permits to exceed the load limit when in the judgement of the Director it is necessary. The Director of Engineering shall issue the permits in writing. The permits shall include the specific date of any special permit and any conditions attached to the use of the special permit. The permit shall be in the possession of the user during its use.
(E) (1) The Police Department shall have the authority to require vehicles to be weighed at any time to determine if the vehicle exceeds the axle load limit.
(2) In the event the vehicle exceeds the allowable load limit, the operator and owner of the vehicle shall be charged pursuant to division (B) above and, in addition, may be held financially responsible for the cost to repair any damage to street structure caused by the vehicle. If it is determined that the vehicle has not exceeded the axle load limit, the city shall be responsible for the weighing fee.
(`86 Code, § 5.11) (Am. Ord. 747, passed 6-6-00)