MODESTO — Stanislaus County is preparing to overhaul its truck parking regulations in agricultural areas, aiming to curb unpermitted operations and clarify zoning rules for both small and large trucking businesses.
The proposed changes would update two existing chapters of the county’s zoning ordinance and create a new chapter dedicated entirely to truck parking facilities in the General Agriculture (A-2) zone. The effort follows a steady rise in complaints since 2021, with residents reporting noise, traffic, and dust from unapproved truck yards.
The new rules were developed by a special committee led by District Two Supervisor Vito Chiesa and Planning Commission Chair Carmen Morad. Over several months, the group met with truckers, farmers, and real estate professionals, toured existing sites, and reviewed ordinances in neighboring counties.
What’s Changing
The proposed ordinance would:
- Create Chapter 21.89, consolidating all truck parking rules into one section.
- Amend Chapter 21.20 to remove outdated permit language and refer applicants to the new chapter.
- Revise Chapter 21.94, reducing the number of trucks allowed under home occupation permits from three tractor-trailer combinations and three trailers to one tractor-trailer and two trailers.
Home-based trucking businesses would also face new restrictions. Trucks must be registered in California, and on-site maintenance, storage, and large-scale parking areas would no longer be allowed.
For larger facilities, the ordinance sets a minimum parcel size of 10 acres and prohibits use of land under Williamson Act contracts. Parking areas would be capped at 1.5 acres and must include fencing, landscaping, setbacks from homes and roads, and restroom access for drivers. Portable restrooms would be allowed in some cases.
To prevent clusters of truck yards, the ordinance defines “concentration” thresholds. In areas within one mile of a highway, no more than two facilities would be allowed in a one-mile radius. In more remote areas, only one would be permitted — unless separated by a physical barrier like a river or railroad.
Facilities would also be subject to annual inspections, and permits would expire after five years unless renewed. If a property changes ownership, the permit would automatically expire and require reapplication.
Planning Commission Review
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on Oct. 16 to review the proposed changes. Commissioners asked about enforcement staffing, road impacts, restroom requirements, and whether the rules would affect trucks serving agricultural operations.
Staff confirmed that agricultural service trucks would still be allowed under separate rules and that the county’s code enforcement division has the capacity to handle inspections. They also noted that new conditions could be added during the permit renewal process to address road wear and other impacts.
No members of the public spoke for or against the ordinance during the hearing. Commissioner Zipser, who attended a public meeting in July, said the proposal reflected community feedback and appeared to strike a fair balance.
The commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors. If adopted, the new rules would apply to future permit applications, new home-based trucking businesses, and any existing operations that need to reapply due to lapsed permits.
Four pending applications for truck parking facilities would not qualify under the new rules due to parcel size or location limits.
The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss the proposed ordinance at its meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m. in Modesto. If approved, the changes would give the county stronger tools to manage truck parking in rural areas while supporting legal operations and protecting nearby residents.
