11/30/2025
Message from CCO:
**Commercial Truck Parking**
If you live in West Richland, you might have noticed large commercial trucks parking on neighborhood streets occasionally — but did you know that the city code restricts this? Here’s a breakdown of what the West Richland Municipal Code (WRMC) says and how these rules help keep our neighborhoods safe and peaceful.
What the Law Actually Says
Definition of "Commercial Vehicle"
Under WRMC Chapter 10.12 (Parking), “commercial vehicle” includes things like trucks, tractor‐trailers, or large utility trucks.
500-Foot Rule Around Residences
According to WRMC 10.12.015, you cannot park a commercial vehicle on public rights-of-way in or near residential zones (or other zones) within 500 feet of a dwelling if you plan to run its motor, engine, compressor, or similar devices between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
This helps limit noise from things like idling engines or refrigeration units at night.
The rule applies whether the street is in a residential, commercial, or industrially zoned area — if there are houses nearby, the 500-foot limit matters.
Size and Weight-Based Parking Restrictions (Excluding Recreational Vehicles)
Under WRMC 10.12.020, any vehicle that:
Has a gross weight of 12,000 lb or more, or
Is over 24 feet long, or wider than 8 feet 6 inches
…is not allowed to park on streets or rights-of-way in residentially zoned areas — unless it’s actively making a delivery, loading, or unloading.
Even when making deliveries, loading, or unloading, the truck can only park for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
These limits prevent very large or heavy commercial vehicles from staying parked all day or overnight just sitting on residential streets.
Why These Rules Matter
Noise Control: The engine-use restriction at night (between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.) helps keep neighborhoods quieter.
Safety & Traffic: Large or heavy vehicles can make navigating narrow residential streets harder, the large size of these vehicles make it difficult to see pedestrians, which is why size, and weight limits exist.
Infrastructure Impact: Big, heavy vehicles can damage roads more than regular passenger cars; limiting their parking helps protect public streets.
What Residents Can Do
Report Violations: If you see commercial vehicles that seem to be violating these parking rules, you can contact West Richland Code Enforcement online at www.westrichland.org or by calling CCO at 509-967-7173.
Know the Rules: Understanding what the code allows (deliveries, loading/unloading, but limited time) can help when talking to neighbors, drivers, or the city.