§ 70-8. Parking regulations for trailers, semi-trailers, travel-trailers and campers.

(a)

Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this section.

Semi-trailer means a freight trailer that, when attached, is supported at its forward end by the fifth wheel device of the truck tractor.

Trailer means a non-motorized vehicle designed to be hauled overland by a motorized vehicle for the common purpose of transporting something.

Travel-trailer or camper means a non-motorized vehicle primarily intended for use as temporary living quarters in connection with recreational, camping or travel purposes that is designed to be hauled overland by a motorized vehicle.

(b)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the parking of trailers, semi-trailers, travel-trailers and campers within the village.

(c)

Public rights-of-way.

(1)

It shall be unlawful for any unattached trailer, semi-trailer, travel-trailer or camper to be parked on any roadway, alleyway, or within any public right-of-way at any time except when it is necessary to temporarily disconnect such trailer, semi-trailer, travel-trailer or camper for the purpose of loading or unloading. Such temporary disconnection for loading or unloading shall not block or otherwise impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic or prevent safe ingress and egress to any building, structure, parking area, sidewalk or crosswalk. Such temporary disconnection for loading or unloading shall not exceed eight hours in duration in any 24-hour period and shall not occur more than two times per calendar year.

(2)

It shall be unlawful for any vehicle with an attached trailer, semi-trailer, travel-trailer or camper to be parked on any roadway, alleyway, or within any public right-of-way between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(3)

Subject to subsection (2) above, it shall be unlawful for any vehicle with an attached trailer, semi-trailer, travel-trailer or camper to be parked on any roadway, alleyway, or within any public right-of-way between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. for more than two days in succession or four days total in a calendar month.

(4)

A covering, suitable to prevent vandalism and exposure to the elements (e.g., tarpaulin), shall be placed over any trailer or semi-trailer lawfully parked pursuant to subsections (1) or (3) above except while in the process of temporarily loading or unloading.

(5)

The provisions of subsections (1), (2) and (3) shall not apply to a licensed contractor engaged in work at a property pursuant to a valid permit issued by the village, where the contractor's trailer is parked upon the roadway, alleyway, or public right-of-way adjacent to the property for which the permit has been issued. The contractor's trailer while parked pursuant to this subsection shall not block or otherwise impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic or prevent safe ingress and egress to any building, structure, parking area, sidewalk or crosswalk. This exception shall only apply during the term of a valid permit and a suitable covering remains required pursuant to subsection (4).

(d)

Parking/storage in certain zoning districts.

(1)

Unless within a completely enclosed building, a trailer or semi-trailer shall not be parked or stored on any public or private lot within any residential zoning district of the village.

(2)

Unless within a completely enclosed building, the storage or parking of a trailer or semi-trailer shall not be permitted within any commercial zoning district (including central business district) of the village, except as approved by the zoning or code official. Such approval shall be in writing and indicate the time period the trailer or semi-trailer will be on the property. The letter shall also indicate the purpose of the trailer such as remodeling storage, move-in storage, or move-out storage. The use of a trailer or semi-trailer to contain additional inventory is not permitted. An accessory structure should be constructed for that purpose.

(e)

Temporary permit. Upon a showing of undue hardship, the village police chief may temporarily suspend, by issuance of a temporary parking permit, the parking prohibitions contained within this section.

(f)

Penalty. A person who violates the provisions of this section is responsible for a municipal civil infraction and shall be subject to the payment of a civil fine in accordance with section 1-7 of the Sparta Village Code. Repeat offenses under this section shall be subject to increased fines as previously set forth in section 1-7 of the Sparta Village Code.

(Ord. No. 06-03, § 1, 9-11-2006; Ord. No. 08-01, § 1, 4-14-2008; Ord. No. 08-02, § 1, 9-8-2008; Ord. No. 13-04 § 1, 11-12-2013)