Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Merced Municipal Code Ch. 10.32 Loading and Unloading
Merced Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Merced
Cite as: Merced Municipal Code Chapter 10.32 · Text as of 2026-10-04
10.32.010 - Permit—Generally.¶
The chief of police is authorized to issue special permits to allow the backing of a vehicle to the curb or parking in alleys where parking is otherwise prohibited, for the purpose of loading or unloading merchandise or materials or performing work or services on adjacent property, subject to the terms and conditions of such permit. Such permits may be issued either to the owner or lessee of real property or to the owner of the vehicle and shall grant to such person the privilege as therein stated and authorized in this chapter, and it is unlawful for any permittee or other person to violate any of the special terms or conditions of any such permit.
(Prior code § 16.73).
10.32.020 - Zones—Indicated by curb marking.¶
A. Loading zones shall be indicated by a yellow painted line upon the top of all curbs within such zones and appropriate signs.
B. Passenger loading zones shall be indicated by a white line on the top of all curbs in such zones and appropriate signs.
(Prior code § 16.74).
10.32.025 - Zones—Indicated by crosshatched line.¶
A. Passenger loading zones within a parking lot or parking facility may be marked by crosshatched lines and if so marked are exclusively designated for the loading and unloading of vehicles.
B. It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing any vehicle within the area designated for the loading and unloading of vehicles pursuant to subsection A of this section in any off-street parking facility whether publicly or privately owned and maintained.
C. The fine for parking within an area marked by crosshatched lines adjacent to a stall or space designated for disabled persons and disabled veterans shall be the same fine that is imposed for violation of subsection (a) of Section 22507.8 of the California Vehicle Code.
(Ord. 1902 § 1, 1995).
10.32.030 - Zones—Administration.¶
The city council shall, by ordinance or resolution, determine those locations to be used for passenger loading zones and freight and passenger loading zones, and the city engineer shall designate such places by appropriate signs, parking signs or curb markings.
(Prior code § 16.76).
10.32.040 - Zones—Restrictions.¶
No automobile or other vehicle shall be parked or stopped in any freight and passenger loading zone, except those legitimately engaged in loading or unloading materials or passengers, and the parking time shall not exceed the time legitimately required for the purpose of loading or unloading materials or passengers.
(Ord. 1277 § 7 (part), 1979: prior code § 16.77(1)).
10.32.050 - Freight and passenger loading zones—Locations.¶
When authorized signs or curb markings are in place giving notice thereof, the locations described in the following paragraphs are designated as freight and passenger loading zones during the time period of nine a.m. to five p.m., excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
| Street | Portion |
|---|---|
| West side of M Street | Beginning at the intersection of the north line of the alley south West 13th Street, thence northerly 150 feet. |
| North side of Teak Avenue | Beginning at a point that is 160 feet east of the east line of Parsons Avenue, thence easterly 30 feet. |
| North side of East 16th Street | Beginning at a point that is 683 feet east of the east line of G Street, thence easterly 25 feet. |
| West side of Laurel Avenue | Beginning at a point that is 100 feet south of the south line of East 19th Street, thence southerly 58 feet. |
| South side of West 22nd Street | Beginning at a point that is 379 feet east of the east line of O Street, thence easterly 20 feet. |
| South side of West Main Street | Beginning at a point that is 43 feet west of the west line of M Street, thence westerly 25 feet. |
| South side of West 18th Street | Beginning at a point that is 99 feet west of the west line of R Street, thence westerly 72 feet. |
| East side of N Street | Beginning at the point that is 44 feet north of the eastern curn return of West 18th Street, then northerly 40 feet. |
| North side of East 20th Street | Beginning at a point that is 45 feet from the east line of G Street, thence easterly 65 feet |
(Ord. 2182 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2104 § 3, 2002: Ord. 2048 § 2, 2000: Ord. 2001 § 2, 1998: Ord. 1975 § 2, 1997: Ord. 1901 § 5, 1995: Ord. 1890 § 1, 1994: Ord. 1851 §§ 20, 21, 1993: Ord. 1778 § 1, 1990: Ord. 1608 § 7, 1986; Ord. 1545 § 2, 1984: Ord. 1519 § 1, 1984: Ord. 1366 § 5, 1980: Ord. 1343 §§ 3, 4, 1980: Ord. 1329 § 4, 1980: Ord. 1277 § 7 (part), 1979: prior code § 16.77(2)).
(Ord. No. 2354, § 1, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 2458, § 4, 5-2-2016; Ord. No. 2459, § 3, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 2466, § 3, 9-6-2016)
10.32.051 - Freight and passenger loading zones—Locations—Seven a.m. to four p.m.¶
When authorized signs or curb markings are in place giving notice thereof, the locations described in the following paragraphs are designated as freight and passenger loading zones during the time period of seven (7) a.m. to four (4) p.m., excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
| Street | Portion |
|---|---|
| South side of East 20 th Street | Beginning at a point that is 24 feet west of the centerline of Willow Avenue, thence easterly 66 feet. |
(Ord. No. 2466, § 4, 9-6-2016)
10.32.055 - Passenger loading zones—Locations—Nine a.m. to five p.m.¶
When authorized signs or curb markings are in place giving notice thereof, the locations described in the following paragraphs are designated as passenger loading zones during the time period of nine a.m. to five p.m., excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
| Street | Portion |
|---|---|
| South side of 19th Street | Beginning at a point which is 202 feet east of the easterly property line of N Street, thence easterly 48 feet. |
| North side of West 27th Street | Beginning at a point which is 261 feet east of the easterly property line of M Street, thence easterly 30 feet. |
| South side of West 22nd Street | Beginning at a point that is 162 feet west of the west line of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, thence westerly 26 feet. |
| East side of Canal Street | Beginning at a point that is 37 feet south of the south line of West 20th Street, thence south 72 feet. |
| West side of M Street | Beginning at a point that is 50 feet north of the alley between Main Street and 18th Street, thence southerly 30 feet. |
| East side of M Street | Beginning at a point on the east line of M Street that is 24 feet north of the north line of West 18th Street, thence northerly 70 feet. |
| East side of P Street | Beginning at a point that is 32 feet south of the south line of West 20th Street, thence southerly 25 feet. |
(Ord. 2313 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2057 § 1, 2001: Ord. 1928 § 1, 1996: Ord. 1887 § 6, 1994: Ord. 1851 §§ 22, 23, 1993: Ord. 1850 § 1, 1993: Ord. 1782 §§ 4, 5, 1991: Ord. 1661 § 7, 1986: Ord. 1641 § 5, 1986: Ord. 1521 § 1, 1984: Ord. 1519 § 2, 1984).
10.32.056 - Passenger loading zones—Permanent.¶
When authorized signs or curb markings are in place giving notice thereof, the locations described in the following paragraphs are designated as passenger loading zones at all times, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
| Street | Portion |
|---|---|
| West side of Laurel Avenue | Beginning at a point that is 100 feet north of Yosemite Park Way, thence northerly 30 feet. |
| West Side of N Street | Northwest corner of N Street and Main Street. Beginning at the second parking space between 14 feet northwesterly from the curb return on N Street then northerly 14 feet towards 18th Street. |
| South side of West 13th Street | Beginning at a point that is 20 feet east of the east line of M Street, thence west 40 feet. |
| West side of N Street | 85 feet beginning at the south edge of the Reyes Elementary N Street northerly driveway. |
(Ord. 2137 § 4, 2003; Ord. 2134 § 4, 2003; Ord. 2086 § 8, 2002; Ord. 1763 § 3, 1990).
(Ord. No. 2542, § 8, 9-6-2022; Ord. No. 2553, § 2, 9-18-2023; Ord. No. 2567, §§ 3, 4, 9-3-2024)
10.32.057 - Passenger loading zones—Locations—Seven a.m. to four p.m.¶
When authorized signs or curb markings are in place giving notice thereof, the locations described in the following paragraphs are designated as a passenger loading zone during the time period of seven a.m. and four p.m., excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
| Street | Portion |
|---|---|
| South side of 20th Street | Beginning at a point that is 240 feet west of the west line of Ashwood Drive, thence westerly 60 feet. |
| South side of West 8th Street | Beginning at a point that is 80 feet west of the west line of N Street, thence westerly 500 feet. |
(Ord. 2278 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2182 § 2, 2005; Ord. 2036 § 6, 2000).
(Ord. No. 2363, § 2, 12-6-2010; Ord. No. 2517, § 5, 8-3-2020; Ord. No. 2518, § 6, 10-19-2020)
10.32.058 - Passenger loading zones—Locations—Seven a.m.¶
to eight-thirty a.m. and one-thirty p.m. to three-thirty p.m.
When authorized signs or curb markings are in place giving notice thereof, the locations described in the following are designated as a passenger loading zone during the time period of seven a.m. to eight-thirty a.m., and one-thirty p.m. to three-thirty p.m., excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays:
(Reserved)
(Ord. No. 2330, § 2, 4-6-2009)
(Ord. No. 2518, § 7, 10-19-2020)
10.32.059 - Accessible passenger loading zones.¶
When authorized signs or curb markings are in place giving notice thereof, the locations described in the following paragraphs are designated as accessible passenger loading zones at all times, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
| Street: | Portion: |
|---|---|
| East side of N Street | Beginning at the point that is 24 feet north of the eastern curb return of West 18th Street, then northerly 20 feet. |
(Ord. No. 2458, § 5, 5-2-2016)
10.32.060 - Use of alleys—Generally.¶
No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any alley lying within, forming the boundary of, or immediately adjacent to, property zoned C-2, as provided in Title 18, except for the purpose of loading or unloading the same and in no event for longer than sixty (60) minutes; except as provided in Sections 10.32.070 and 10.32.080; however, at no time shall the alley be blocked so as to hinder, delay or prevent the free passage of police and fire equipment or other vehicles thereon.
(Prior code § 16.78 (part)).
10.32.070 - Use of alleys—Permit.¶
The chief of police in the instances mentioned in Section 10.32.080 may extend the commercial loading and unloading time limit provided for in Section 10.32.060 to such additional time as in his discretion he may deem necessary for loading or unloading purposes, which extension of time shall be evidenced by a written permit issued by him.
(Prior code § 16.78 (part)).
10.32.080 - Use of alleys—Permit—Conditions.¶
The chief of police may issue a permit to delivery or service vehicles as provided in Section 10.32.070 for parking in alleys without regard to time limit on the following conditions:
A. The vehicle for which the permit is issued must have either a valid commercial license or a passenger commercial license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles under the appropriate laws of the state and rules and regulations of the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
B. The firm or person receiving the permit for the vehicle must have a business license from the city and must make application to the chief of police for a special permit for exemption from the provisions of Section 10.32.060.
C. The chief of police, before approving the application and issuing the permit, must find that the applicant has no other suitable place to park his delivery or service vehicle and that it is actually necessary to the transaction of the applicant's business.
D. The applicant shall pay an initial application fee of five dollars ($5.00) and a yearly fee of thirty-six dollars ($36.00) payable in advance of the issuance of the permit. The permit shall be for a period of one (1) year and, if applicant desires to have it extend beyond the one-year period, application must be made for a renewal upon the conditions of this section; provided, however, that no initial application fee shall be charged the applicant.
E. The permit may be suspended or revoked by the chief of police if the privilege of parking without regard to time limit is abused in any way. The permit shall be usable only on the vehicle for which it was issued and will be nontransferable to any other vehicle; provided, however, that in the event the vehicle is replaced by the permittee, a replacement permit may be issued by the chief of police upon proof by the permittee to the chief of police of such replacement and surrender of the original permit. The replacement permit in such event shall be valid for the duration of the time remaining on the original permit.
(Prior code § 16.78 (part)).
10.32.090 - Bus zones—Generally.¶
A. The city council may, by ordinance or resolution, establish bus zones.
B. The city engineer shall paint a red line upon the top or side of all curbs and places specified as bus zones and erect appropriate signs.
C. No person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle, except a bus, in a bus zone.
(Prior code § 16.79).
10.32.100 - Bus zones—Location.¶
When signs are erected in accordance with Section 10.32.090 to give notice thereof, no person, between eight a.m. and four p.m. on days school is in session, shall stop, stand or park any vehicle except a bus, in the following locations:
| Street | Portion |
|---|---|
| On East 19th Street on the northerly curb line | Beginning at a point which is the southerly end of an eighty-four (84) foot curb return on Laurel Avenue, thence westerly along East 19th Street a distance of two hundred twenty (220) feet. |
| On the north side of West 25th Street | Beginning at a point which is the west property line of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, extended, thence easterly three hundred sixty (360) feet. |
| On the easterly curb line of T Street | Beginning at a point two hundred twenty-five (225) feet north of the curb return at 4th Street, thence north for a distance of three hundred (300) feet. |
| On the south side of East 15th Street | Beginning at a point which is thirty (30) feet west of the centerline of D Street, thence westerly a distance of thirty-five (35) feet. |
| On the north side of East 15th Street | Beginning at a point which is the west property line of D Street extended, thence westerly a distance of forty (40) feet. |
| On Canal Street, south of Bob Hart Square | Beginning at a point which is the intersection of the north property line of the alley which runs east and west between West 16th Street and Main Street, and the east property line of Canal Street, thence west fifteen (15) feet to a point on the curb; thence following this curb line which is concave to the north and running generally west for a distance of sixty (60) feet. |
| On the south side of East 20th Street | Beginning at a point that is three hundred ninety (390) feet east of the east line of G Street, thence easterly one hundred seventy-eight (178) feet. |
| On the westerly curb line of N Street | Beginning at the southerly property line of an alley which runs east and west between West 12th Street and West 13th Street, thence south eighty-four (84) feet. |
| On the west side of M Street | Beginning at a point which is the centerline of West 12th Street extended, thence north along the curb line a distance of seventy-nine plus or minus (79±) feet to the point of beginning, thence northerly forty (40) feet. |
| On the east side of E Street | Beginning ten feet north of the north property line of East 11th Street, thence north seventy (70) feet. |
| On N Street on the easterly curb line | Beginning at a point that is thirty-six (36) feet north of the north property line of West Main Street, thence northerly twenty-two (22) feet along said curb line. |
| On the easterly curb line of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way | Beginning at a point that is twenty (20) feet north of the north property line of West Main Street, thence northerly twenty (20) feet along said curb line. |
| On the west side of G Street | Beginning at the alley between Main Street and 18th Street, thence southerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the west side of G Street | Beginning at the alley between 20th and 21st Streets, thence southerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the west side of G Street | Beginning at the alley between 22nd and 23rd Streets, thence southerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the west side of G Street | Beginning at the alley between 25th and 26th Streets, thence southerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the west side of G Street | Beginning at the alley between 18th Street and 19th Street, thence southerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the east side of G Street | Beginning at the north line of Childs Avenue, thence northerly fifty-five (55) feet. |
| On the east side of G Street | Beginning at the alley between 18th Street and 19th Street, thence northerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the east side of G Street | Beginning at the alley between 20th Street and 21st Street, thence northerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the east side of G Street | Beginning at the alley between 22nd Street and 23rd Street, thence northerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the east side of G Street | Beginning at the north line of East 25th Street, thence northerly twenty (20) feet. |
| On the east side of M Street | Beginning at the south line of 13th Street, thence south twenty-five (25) feet. |
| On the east side of M Street | Beginning at a point that is thirty-eight (38) feet from the north line of the alley between 18th and 19th Streets, thence northerly twelve (12) feet. |
| On the west side of M Street | Beginning at a point that is eighty (80) feet north of the alley between Main Street and 18th Street, thence southerly fifty (50) feet. |
| On the south side of West 27th Street | Beginning at a point that is one hundred forty (140) feet east of the east line of M Street, thence east twenty (20) feet. |
| On the south side of West 18th Street | Beginning at a point that is sixty-four (64) feet east of the east line of N Street, thence easterly forty-eight (48) feet. |
| On the south side of West 15th Street | Beginning at a point that is two hundred (200) feet east of the east line of Canal Street, thence easterly seventy (70) feet. |
| On the east side of Parsons Avenue | Beginning at a point that is three hundred ten (310) feet north of the north line of Childs Avenue, thence northerly one hundred five (105) feet. |
| On the south side of Gerard Avenue | Beginning at the east line of Buckner Road, thence easterly to the west line of Brimmer Road. |
| On the west side of West Avenue | Beginning at a point that is three hundred fifteen (315) feet north of Lopes Avenue, thence northerly one hundred (100) feet. |
| On the north side of East 13th Street | Beginning at a point that is ten (10) feet west of the line of D Street, thence easterly eighty (80) feet. |
| On the north side of East 13th Street | Beginning at a point that is forty (40) feet east of the east line of D Street, thence easterly thirty (30) feet. |
| On the south side of East 13th Street | Beginning at the east line of D Street, thence easterly sixty (60) feet. |
| On the south side of West 13th Street | Beginning at the west line of N Street, thence westerly seventy (70) feet. |
| On the south side of Loughborough Drive | Beginning at a point on the east line of Santa Rosa Court, thence easterly seventy (70) feet. |
| On the north side of Loughborough Drive | Beginning at a point on the east line of Santa Rosa Court, thence easterly fifty-five (55) feet. |
| On the north side of West 24th Street | Beginning at a point that is fifty (50) feet west of the center line of Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, thence easterly sixty (60) feet. |
| On the east side of Meadows Avenue | Beginning at a point that is sixty (60) feet from the south line of Olivewood Drive, thence southerly twelve (12) feet. |
| On the south side of Yosemite Avenue | Beginning at a point that is twenty (20) feet from the west line of Parsons Avenue, thence westerly twelve (12) feet. |
(Ord. 2170 § 3, 2004; Ord. 2101 § 9, 2002; Ord. 2045 § 1, 2000: Ord. 2010 §§ 1, 2, 1999: Ord. 1949 §§ 1, 2, 1996: Ord. 1928 §§ 2, 3, 1996: Ord. 1900 § 1, 1995: Ord. 1887 § 7, 1994: Ord. 1851 §§ 24, 25, 1993: Ord. 1827 § 3, 1992: Ord. 1727 § 1, 1989: Ord. 1661 § 8, 1987: Ord. 1641 § 6, 1986: Ord. 1610 § 3, 1986: Ord. 1608 § 8, 1986: Ord. 1499 § 1, 1983: Ord. 1492 § 1, 1983: Ord. 1479 § 1, 1983: Ord. 1468 § 1, 1982: Ord. 1442 § 1, 1982: Ord. 1366 § 6, 1980: Ord. 1353 § 1, 1980: Ord. 1298 § 1, 1980: Ord. 1267 § 1, 1979: prior code § 16.79.1).
(Ord. No. 2351, § 1, 4-19-2010; Ord. No. 2518, § 8, 10-9-2020; Ord. No. 2567, §§ 5, 6, 9-3-2024)
10.32.105 - School bus loading zones.¶
When authorized signs are in place giving notice thereof, no person between seven a.m. and four p.m. on days school is in session, shall stop, stand or park any vehicle except a bus, in the following locations:
| Street | Portion |
|---|---|
| East side of E Street | Beginning at a point two hundred fifty-one (251) feet south of the south line of 13th Street, thence southerly one hundred fourteen (114) feet. |
| East side of S Street | Beginning at a point that is twenty (20) feet north of the north line of West 21st Street, thence northerly one hundred (100) feet. |
(Ord. 2223 § 6, 2006; Ord. 1914 § 4, 1995).
(Ord. No. 2363, § 3, 12-6-2010; Ord. No. 2518, § 9, 10-19-2020)
10.32.110 - Taxicab zones—Generally.¶
A. The city council may, by ordinance or resolution, establish taxicab zones and stands.
B. The city engineer shall place appropriate signs or curb markings to indicate such designated zones or stands.
C. No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle, except a taxicab, in a taxicab zone or stand.
(Ord. 1176 § 1, 1976: prior code § 16.80).
10.32.120 - Mail deposit zone.¶
The city council may, by ordinance or resolution, establish mail deposit zones for vehicles. No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in a mail deposit zone except for the time necessary to deposit mail from such vehicle into the mailbox adjacent to the curb in such designated mail deposit zones.
(Ord. 1176 § 3, 1976: prior code § 16.80.1).
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