City Council Approves Amendment to Restrict Oversized Vehicle Parking

Published on March 20, 2025

Amendment comes after District 8 neighbors voiced public safety concerns.

SAN ANTONIO (March 20, 2025) –Today San Antonio’s City Council unanimously approved amending City Code 19-194 to restrict the parking of semi-cabs and semi-trailers within city limits based upon requests made to the City’s 311 information line. Staff evaluation of these requests may end up with restricted parking signs installed in areas of concern.

The revision comes nearly three years after District 8 Councilmember Manny Pelaez filed a Council Consideration Request (CCR) to amend the ordinance after hearing repeated safety concerns from neighbors who were experiencing a constant influx of truck-trailers parked outside residential areas. City code already prohibits these types of vehicles from parking on residential streets; however, neighbors informed the District 8 Council Office that drivers were parking close to schools, businesses, and fire stations—leaving their oversized vehicle parked sometimes for days on end. Neighbors reported pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and other drivers were at risk due to a limited line of sight.

“It is our duty as elected officials to protect our residents, and our city streets are not meant to serve as free parking for these oversized vehicles,” said Councilmember Pelaez. “After nearly three years of debate, I’m confident this option pulls from every lever. Today’s amendment will address the issues faced by neighbors across the city by ensuring each no-parking sign is properly vetted. It also offers fairness to semi-trailer drivers by providing advanced warnings, so they are aware of parking restrictions ahead of time.”

This amendment will also increase fines from $35 to $500 to align with the oversized vehicle residential fine. The ordinance will go into effect 30 days from today’s approval. Additionally, there will be a 60-day warning period before drivers are fined. Citations will be issued after 90 days. The signs will restrict parking at any time of day. The City of San Antonio will enforce the violation of the no-parking signs.