The city of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department is preparing a new ordinance that would regulate the parking of large vehicles on public streets. This ordinance will define the size of vehicles covered and when/ where parking will be restricted.

A public meeting to get input from affected and interested residents and businesses will be at 7:30 p.m. Wed., May 20 at the Traffic and Transportation Advisory Commission meeting in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Board Room, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

The proposed ordinance would affect commercial trucks and recreational vehicles larger than 25 feet long or 6 feet, 8 inches wide or 6 feet, 10 inches tall.

Pickup trucks will be exempt.

Parking would be prohibited on public streets at all times in all areas of the city unless a temporary fiveday permit is obtained from the Thousand Oaks Police Department.

The ordinance won't affect parking of vehicles on private property.

"The city has received numerous complaints from citizens regarding the parking of large, oversized vehicles on public streets, especially in residential neighborhoods," said Mark Watkins, public works director. "The existing 72hour rule is being abused, making it difficult to mitigate the safety and aesthetic concerns of large vehicles parked on our streets. Public streets are not intended for longterm storage. A new ordinance will give the city more effective tools to address this issue."

Those unable to attend the meeting who wish to provide input can send comments to the Public Works Department, City of Thousand Oaks, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, or e-mail PublicWorks@toaks.org.