How can I give input when a loading or short-term parking zone has been proposed on my street?
Loading and short-term parking proposals go through a public noticing and comment period where you may submit your comment in writing or via the phone.
Can a business owner or staff park in a loading zone that they applied for and paid for?
No. Passenger and general loading zones are not for private parking, even for the applicant who paid for the zone. All vehicles are subject to the posted time limit in a loading zone and risk a citation for staying beyond the time limit.
What vehicles can legally load in a passenger loading zone?
Any vehicle may use a passenger loading zone to load or unload passengers for five minutes or less. Drivers must remain in the vehicle (except for zones at schools or hospitals). All vehicles, including those with disabled parking placards are subject to the posted time limit and risk a citation for overstay.
What vehicles can legally load in a general loading zone?
Any vehicle may use a general loading zone for five minutes or less. All vehicles, including those with disabled parking placards are subject to the posted time limit and risk a citation for overstay.
What vehicles can legally park in a commercial loading/yellow zone?
Commercial vehicles or vehicles who have SFMTA issued contractor permits, unless it is a six-wheel truck loading zone, in which case only six wheeled trucks may park while loading or unloading. Non-commercial vehicles may use a yellow zone for active loading for no more than three minutes, as long as the driver stays with the vehicle.
Can a vehicle with a disabled placard or license plate park in any type of curb or zone, for any amount of time without getting a ticket?
No. Loading zones are not considered "parking" during operational hours and are for active loading only during that time. A vehicle with a disabled placards or plates may not park and leave a vehicle unattended for longer than 5-minutes in a white zone (passenger or general loading) or 3-minutes in yellow zone (commercial loading) and the would risk citation or towing to do so.
Are there any exemptions for loading and short-term parking fees (when applicable) when applying for a zone?
Government Agencies providing public services and non-profits that provide free services exclusively to seniors or people with disabilities are exempt from fees for white zones and general loading zones.
Can a business owner apply for a short-term parking/green zone to use for staff parking or long-term personal parking?
No. Green zones or limited time meters are not for long-term private parking and all vehicles are subject to the posted time limit (except vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking permit).
Is there a time limit in commercial loading/yellow zones for vehicles with commercial license plates?
Yes. Commercial loading zones are not meant for long-term parking, including by commercial vehicles. All vehicles must abide by the posted time limits except permitted commercial contractor vehicles. Commercial loading zones typically have a limit of 30 minutes, but it may be longer in certain areas of the city.
Do drivers of commercial vehicles have to pay the meter at commercial loading zones?
Yes. Payment is required except for permitted commercial contractor vehicles.
Are any vehicles exempt from time limits at green zones?
Vehicles with a valid disabled placard or plates are exempt from the time limits for green curbs/meters.
How do I report illegally painted color curb?
How do you report illegal parking in a white, yellow, general loading, green or zone?
Report zone abuse through 311.
How can I receive a paper application?
Please contact the Curb Access team, ccp@sfmta.com, 415.646.2599
Still have questions about new or existing loading and short-term parking zones?
Please contact the Curb Access team, ccp@sfmta.com, 415.646.2599