Published: November 15, 2009 12:09 am      

Board to consider tow-truck issue

DANVILLE — Ronald Adkins parks a tow truck he drives for A-1 Towing in his driveway on North Walnut Street.

But he’s received a tow sticker and fine of his own because the city’s zoning ordinance doesn’t allow commercial vehicles parked in a residential area.

Now, the issue will come up for discussion before the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday.

The board consists of Public Works Director Doug Ahrens, Special Services Superintendent Steve Lane and Danville Mass Transit Director Dick Brazda.

Adkins said he’s from Tennessee.

“They don’t harass you about your property,” he said.

He moved to 1134 N. Walnut St. a few months ago.

“Since I bought it (he’s purchasing the home on contract), I’ve done so much restoring to the home,” Adkins added.

He said he is parking the tow truck in his personal driveway during the day, but storing it in a garage at night.

He said the truck is registered to himself; he leases it to the company.

According to city ordinance, the parking of commercial vehicles on a lot is permitted in the I-1 and I-2 industrial zoning districts, and is allowed in the B-3 district after application and issuance of a special-use permit.

No commercial vehicles shall be parked on any public street in a residential zoning district at any time, the ordinance states.

The outdoor storage of these commercial vehicles refers to tractor trailers, farming machinery, construction equipment and other trucks with a gross weight in excess of 12,000 pounds.

The Zoning Board of Appeals, which rarely meets, met in May to consider a larger sign than allowed by ordinance for the new CVS store at Main and Bowman.

COMING UP

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet at 3 p.m. Monday in the lower level community room at city hall, 17 W. Main St.