After five months of discussions and contention, Trinity City Council ended the fierce debate over the controversial zoning ordinance that banned all tractor-trailer parking within the city limits by allowing that ordinance to stand. However, truckers already living in the city may keep parking trucks on their property provided they apply for a permit.

The original zoning ordinance, passed in September, banned all tractor-trailer parking in the city with the exception of those loading, unloading or providing a service. After truckers protested in October, the Council placed a moratorium on enforcement of the ordinance.

At the direction of City Council, staff members drafted a new ordinance that would determine truck parking based on whether the street was major, minor or local. The designations define streets based on their ability or lack of ability to carry heavy loads. Staff presented a version of this ordinance to Council during their planning retreat in January.

Following the retreat, Council scheduled a public hearing on the new ordinance for Feb. 16. However, what Council members eventually approved was significantly different.

During the public hearing, some residents spoke for regulation and others opposed it.

“I don’t believe trucks belong in residential areas, they belong in business districts. Do they not haul freight?” asked Brenda Campbell. “Several truckers have complained that their livelihoods are at stake (if this passes). Well, the only investment many have these days is our house. Why annex neighborhoods if you can’t protect them?”

Chester Ayers agreed. “The ordinance does not stop the truck drivers making a living. The ordinance is concerned only with where the trucks are parked.”

Jerry Sturgis, Jim Barker and Scott Lewallen said they supported a ban on truck parking in residential areas.

Bill Burge, however, had a differing point of view.

“I’ve heard people say trucks tear up the streets, but trash trucks and school buses weigh more,” Burge told Council. “So, what’s the difference?

“Before I moved here I checked the codes, there were no codes about trucks parking, so I bought a house and parked my truck there,” recounted Gerald Wong. “I’ve spent $500 since this started to park my truck elsewhere and it has been broken into and the diesel siphoned. I’ve had to reimburse my employer. You don’t pass laws for these problems, you work it out as neighbors.”

Ed Lohr, a trucker, noted that he had no complaints from his neighbors and that everybody’s situation is different.

Tommy Wilmoth also spoke in opposition to the ordinance.

After the public hearing, Council discussed the idea of grandfathering trucks as a nonconforming use.

City Attorney Bob Wilhoit pointed out that a nonconforming use is usually a piece of real estate or a structure and that trying to use that to grandfather tractor-trailers, which are mobile, would be difficult and require a safeguard such as a permit.

“You’re still not solving anything (by doing that),” Councilman Tyler Earnst protested. “What does this accomplish?”

“It protects the future of the city,” said Councilwoman Kristen Varner.

But, Earnst and Councilwoman Karen Bridges pointed out, it does not solve the original issue — some truckers are parking in residential neighborhoods and causing problems for their neighbors.

Councilman Kelly Grooms shook his head and made the motion that was approved. “I’m gonna make people mad. What if we allow the existing truckers to apply for permits within 30 days from today, regardless of where they live, and after that it’s over? Zoning can take over from there.”

After those 30 days, the moratorium on the original ordinance would be lifted and any non-permitted trucks would be in violation of the zoning ordinance.

Grooms’ proposal was approved 6-2. Bridges and Earnst opposed the motion and cited their disapproval of tractor-trailer parking in residential neighborhoods.