Where is it illegal to park?

Based on the City and State Code it is illegal to parking on the following locations:

• On A crosswalk (marked or unmarked). A crosswalk is considered to be the extension of sidewalk boundary lines across a street or at any location where crosswalks are marked with white lines. (City Code Sec. 26-108)
• Parallel parked beside another vehicle (double parked). (City Code Sec. 26-117)
• In front of driveways (commercial or residential). (State Code 46.2-1239)
• Within areas where parking is prohibited by curbs painted yellow or regulatory signage. (City Code Sec. 26-108)
• In a parking space reserved for disabled persons (without a valid DMV issued placard or plates). (City Code Sec. 26-108.1)
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. (State Code 46.2-1239)
• Within 20 feet of a raised curb intersection. (State Code 46.2-1239)
• Within 15 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station. (State Code 46.2-1239)
• Within 500 feet of where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering a fire alarm or emergency call. (State Code 46.2-921)
• On a sidewalk (City Code Sec. 26-119)
• In such a way that you block or create a hazard for vehicles in a designated traffic lane. (State Code 46.2-888)

When parking on a public road, move as far from traffic as possible. If you park on a roadside shoulder, pull as far on to it as possible. If you park next to a curb, pull close to it. Always park on the right side of the roadway unless it is a one way street.

DOES THE CITY HAVE A RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM?

The City has a program that is designed to mitigate excessive non-residential parking within a community. Typically, the Residential Parking Permit Program (RPPP) has applications around schools and the shipyard. However, a program can be established in any residential area provided the program requirements are satisfied.

What are the requirements?

When a problem occurs the resident should call the City to request a copy of the required RPPP Petition. The petition is required to be signed by residents representing at least 75% residential properties that have frontage on the block(s) that desires the program. After the petition is reviewed by the City a study is conducted to determine if 75 % of the on street parking spaces are occupied and if of the spaces occupied if 25% of those are from outside the community.

CAN I HAVE A HANDICAP PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE?

The Transportation Division of Engineering has a program to allow the designation of an on-street Handicap Parking Space in front of a private residence. However, authorization criteria required the resident not have a driveway. The application for a designated space can be obtained by calling the Engineering Department at (757) 926-8611. It should be noted that the designation of a handicap parking space does not reserve that space just for the requesting resident. It is a public street and any vehicle with the proper tags or placard can park in any handicap parking space.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CITY PARKING REGULATIONS?

Parking in cul-de-sacs?

Parking is permitted within a cul-de-sac however, City Code Sec. 26-113 and 26-114 requires parking to be parallel to the curb. Therefore you can not park head on or backed up to the curb.

Boats, trailers and larger vehicles?

City Code Sec. 26-121 states that it shall be unlawful to park a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of one (1) ton upon any street in the City for a period longer than two hours unless it is in front or to the side of a building used as a place of business by the owner of the vehicle or the vehicle is actively being loaded or unloaded.

Additionally, City Code Sec. 26-126.1 states that any vehicle whose overall length exceeds 20 feet, or whose overall width exceeds 8 feet or whose overall height exceeds 8 feet can not park on a residential street from 7pm – 6am Monday – Thursday and from 6pm Friday to 6am the following Monday.

On or over a sidewalk?

City Code Sec. 26-119 states that it shall be unlawful to place or park a motor vehicle or trailer upon any sidewalk in the City. Sidewalks are part of the public street and can not be blocked by any part of a vehicle or trailer.

In a marked on street space?

Where the City has designated on street parking spaces with lines or other markings, City Code Sec. 26-116 states that a parked vehicle must be within the limits of the lines or markings.

HOW CLOSE TO THE CURB MUST I PARK?

Except where the on street parking has marked spaces, City Code indicates that you must leave at least three feet (3’) between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you and that the wheels closest to the curb can not be any further than twelve inches (12”) from the curb. (City Code Sec. 26-114).

WHAT IS A LOADING ZONE AND CAN I PARK THERE?

A loading zone is simply a portion of the street next to a curb in front or to the sides of stores, warehouses and places of business where merchandise or material is unloaded or loaded and is designated and marked with signage as a "No Parking – Loading Zone." No vehicles, except ones used for the act of loading or unloading merchandise or material, are allowed to park in a loading zone between the hours designated on the sign. (City Code Sec. 26-124)