Charlotte East Community Partners, Inc.

Commercial Vehicles: Banning in Single Family Residential Areas

Sep 08, 2003

by Susan Lindsay
Roadblocks are Mounting: Banning Commercial Vehicles in Single Family Residential Areas
When City Council deferred this zoning (which is to expand the definition of commercial vehicles), a Stake Holders Committee was assembled to address just what types of commercial vehicles do not belong, and contribute to a declining image, in a neighborhood.
Discussions have revolved around limits by height, length, and gross motor vehicle weight. 9 foot height limits; 10 - 12ft. lengths and
10,000 - 13,000 lbs. were the basic numbers. One of the more contentious trucks are the box
vans, which can be fairly small but stand out because they are so clearly 'commercial' looking. Open, modified pickup trucks are also difficult to define.
Another point of contntion is trailers, equipment, etc. that are pulled by vehicles are not included in the ordinance.
Staff is working to get this back on the Council agenda for Sept. 15th.
Neighborhood input is desperately needed. We'll have more info. as it becomes available on the CECP website.