Can Flatbed Tow Trucks Park in Residential Complexes?

Patch has always strived to bring its readers all types of information and keep them updated on what is happening in their communities. It is with that in mind that we bring you our newest column, “Ask Campbell PD.” We will be teaming up with the Campbell Police Department to answer your questions.

Whether you have a question about certain laws and how they might affect you, your family or friends or how to stay safe in certain situations, we want you to ask them. Every week we will run two-three questions and answers. To submit a question, email mayra.marcotte@patch.com or add it in the comments section below.

This week's questions from Campbell Patch readers were answered by Campbell Police Captain Charley Adams.

Is it legal to park a full flatbed tow truck in a residential parking lot? We have a tow truck driver living in a complex across from us. We share the entrance to the parking lot and the open space between our two complex parking stalls. When there is no street parking or when he comes and goes in a short time span, he sometimes pulls into the area and double parks or parks in a stall with a large part of the flatbed sticking out, which makes it hard for us to enter or exit our complex parking.

This situation described on private property, there doesn’t appear that there is much we would be able to be involved in. If it’s on private property, such as a housing complex, duplex, etc. than Campbell PD does not have jurisdiction over what vehicles can park there. The only time they do is if the car in question is blocking of fire lane or handicap parking violations.

If it were on public property, we would have jurisdiction. For instance, if it were in an area such as a shopping center, open to the public for public use, it would be enforceable.

In this case, it might be in their best interest to contact the complex manager.