DISCUSSION
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: April 15, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Darren Goodman, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Subject: Introduction of Ordinance Amending Chapter 10.16.120 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code (All Wards)
Recommendation:
Introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading, of an ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, amending Section 10.16.120 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code by adding subsection 10.16.120(B)(1) to prohibit the parking or standing of detached commercial trailers in non-residential districts and to authorize the immediate issuance of citations for violations.
City Manager's Comments
The City Manager concurs with the Police Department’s recommendation.
Executive Summary
The San Bernardino Police Department recommends adoption of an ordinance amending Section 10.16.120 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code by adding Section
10.16.120(B)(1) to address the ongoing issue of detached commercial trailers being parked or stored on public streets, alleys, and parkways within non-residential districts of the City. The proposed amendment clearly prohibits this activity, specifies that detached commercial trailers are not subject to the standard two-hour parking limitation, and authorizes the immediate issuance of citations. This change will enhance traffic safety, improve compliance with parking regulations, and provide the Police Department with clear and consistent enforcement authority.
Background
The San Bernardino Police Department routinely encounters detached commercial trailers parked or standing on public streets, alleys, and parkways within non- residential districts of the City. These trailers often present traffic safety concerns, obstruct visibility, impede public access, and negatively affect surrounding commercial and industrial areas. Current parking regulations do not clearly distinguish detached commercial trailers from other vehicles for enforcement purposes, which can result in delayed or inconsistent compliance.
Discussion
The current ordinance states:“(B) No person shall park or stand any commercial vehicle, truck tractor, semitrailer, or trailer having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more for a continuous period in excess of two hours on any street, alley, or parkway in any non-residential district of the city. Each consecutive two-hour period shall be considered a separate violation for the purpose of this division (B).”
The proposed ordinance amends Section 10.16.120 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code by adding subsection (B)(1), which expressly prohibits any person from parking or standing a detached commercial trailer on any street, alley, or parkway in any non- residential district of the City.
The amendment further clarifies that the standard two-hour parking limitation does not apply to detached commercial trailers and that citations shall be immediately issued for any violation of this subsection. This provision strengthens enforcement efforts and allows the San Bernardino Police Department to address violations promptly.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
This proposed action aligns with Key Target No. 3: Improved Quality of Life; constantly evaluate public safety services delivery models to enhance the quality of service.
Fiscal Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact related to this proposed action.
Conclusion
Introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading, of an ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, amending Section 10.16.120 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code by adding subsection 10.16.120(B)(1) to prohibit the parking or standing of detached commercial trailers in non-residential districts and to authorize the immediate issuance of citations for violations.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Ordinance No. MC-1663; Commercial Parking Ordinance - Chapter 10.16.120
Attachment 2 Proposed Amendment Ordinance No. 10.16.120(B)(1) Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions: N/A
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager