TITLE 5 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
A.
Intent: It is hereby declared to be the intent of the city council to aid and assist by whatever means possible, for the utmost consistency in traffic regulation among and between agencies of Idaho having such jurisdiction. Toward that end, adoption of the Idaho motor vehicle laws by the cities of Idaho is a necessary means of assuring maximum uniformity within the state.
B.
Adoption of Statute: There is hereby adopted for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the use of all streets and public thoroughfares of the city, that certain code, identified as the latest edition of the Idaho motor vehicle laws, more particularly Idaho Code title 49, published by the Idaho department of transportation, and as the same may hereafter be revised by the Idaho legislature, or amended by the city council, and the same is hereby adopted and incorporated as an ordinance of the city as fully as though set forth at length herein, a copy of which, together with any revisions or amendments, duly certified by the city clerk, shall be kept on file in the clerk's office for use and examination of and by the public.
(2006 Code)
A.
Except as otherwise provided by ordinance and posted in accordance with law, the maximum speed limit for vehicles traveling on streets and roads within the city of Star shall be twenty (20) miles per hour.
B.
The maximum speed limit for vehicles traveling along Idaho Highway 44 (State Street) within the incorporated limits of the city of Star, as such limits may be increased or decreased in the future, shall be thirty-five (35) miles per hour from the easterly boundary of the city westerly to Taurus Road and from the westerly boundary of the city easterly to Sunlight Road, and twenty-five (25) miles per hour from Taurus Road westerly to Sunlight Road.
C.
The maximum speed limit for vehicles traveling along Star Road between its intersection with Idaho Highway 44 (State Street) and the southerly boundary of the city shall be thirty (30) miles per hour.
D.
The foregoing maximum speed limits shall be posted in accordance with Idaho law.
E.
Any person exceeding the posted speed limit shall be guilty of an infraction in Idaho Code section 49-654, and shall be subject to the penalties set forth therein.
(Ord. 194, 12-2-2008)
A.
Prohibition Against Uncovered Loads:
1.
No person shall drive or move any vehicle with any load on any public roadway in Star, Idaho, unless such load is so covered, constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping from the vehicle.
2.
No person shall operate any vehicle with any load on any public roadway in Star, Idaho, unless the load and such covering is securely fastened to prevent the covering or load from becoming loose, detached, or in any manner a hazard to other users of the public roadway.
3.
Any person operating a vehicle on any public roadway in Star, Idaho, from which any materials have fallen or escaped, which would constitute an obstruction or injure a vehicle or otherwise endanger travel upon such public roadway shall immediately cause the public roadway to be cleaned of all such materials and shall pay any costs therefor.
B.
Exceptions:
1.
Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a government employee or contractor from dropping sand on a highway to enhance traction, or sprinkling water or other substances to clean or maintain a highway.
2.
This section shall not apply to agricultural vehicles while being used for agricultural purposes.
C.
Penalties: A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of an infraction and subject to a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00). For each subsequent violation of this section, the fine shall be increased by twenty-five dollars ($25.00) but shall not exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).
(Ord. 188, 7-17-2008)
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
ALLEY: A public roadway of limited use intended only to provide access to the rear or side of lots or buildings.
CROSSWALK: Any portion of a highway at an intersection or elsewhere, distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by signs, lines or other markings on the surface.
CURB CUT: A section of sidewalk which has been lowered to allow entrance of vehicles and pedestrians onto the sidewalk from the roadway.
DRIVEWAY: A private road giving access from a public way to a building or land on abutting ground.
INFRACTION: A civil public offense, not constituting a crime, which is not punishable by incarceration and for which there is no right to a trial by jury or right to court appointed counsel, and which is punishable by only a penalty not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) and no imprisonment.
INTERSECTION: Any area of a roadway where more than one road joins another.
OVERNIGHT PARKING: On City property, the period from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. or twelve (12) hours of continuous duration.
RESIDENTIAL PARKING DISTRICT: A geographical area of residential streets which are designated by resolution of the Star City Council for the purpose of managing parking issues specific to such area. Residents and businesses located within such designated area may apply for and, if qualified, receive permits which exempt their associated vehicle(s) from the parking time restrictions otherwise enforced in such area.
SIDEWALK: That portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway and the adjacent property lines, intended for use by pedestrians.
SPECIAL PARKING DISTRICT: A subset of a residential parking district which utilizes separate parking permits and has stricter parking limitations than the rest of the residential parking district.
STOP, STAND, PARK: The act of halting, stopping or standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not.
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE: Any device, sign or marking, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated, placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.
TRAILER: A vehicle without motor power designed for carrying persons or property on its own structure and to be drawn by a vehicle with motor power. The term "trailer" shall include "coach", "boat trailer", "semitrailer", "travel trailer" or "utility trailer".
TRUCK: Every motor vehicle exceeding eight thousand (8,000) pounds' gross weight designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of commercial property.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004; amd. Ord. 127, 7-19-200; Amended by Ord. 407-2024 on 6/18/2024; Ord. No. 424-2025, § 2, 9-2-2025)
A.
Parking with Direction of Traffic: All vehicles shall be parked on the right-hand side of the street facing the direction in which traffic is permitted to move; except that, on the one-way streets in the city, vehicles may park on either side of the one-way street in the direction in which traffic is permitted to move.
B.
Parking or Loading Zones: Any vehicle parked within a parking or loading zone shall be parked entirely within markings designating one parking space, shall be parked parallel or diagonal to the curb in accordance with markings of the parking space; and in case of diagonal parking, shall be parked so that the front of the vehicle is nearest the curb. Vehicles longer than the depicted parking space or vehicles with attached trailers shall be allowed to utilize the necessary number of depicted spaces.
C.
Distance from Curb: Except as otherwise provided in this section, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a roadway where there are adjacent curbs shall be so stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels of such vehicle parallel to and within eighteen inches (18") of the right-hand curb.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004)
A.
Special Plate or Card Required: The parking or standing of a vehicle in a space reserved for the disabled, which space is sited in conformance with Idaho Code, is prohibited, unless a vehicle is momentarily in the space for the purpose of allowing a person with a disability to enter or leave the vehicle, or unless a special license plate or card for the disabled as prescribed in Idaho Code, or a special temporary card for the disabled, is displayed on the vehicle. The registered owner of a vehicle parked in violation of provisions of this section is guilty of an infraction pursuant to Idaho Code section 49-410.
B.
Unauthorized Use of Plate or Card: Any unauthorized use of the plate or card shall constitute an infraction. Law enforcement officials shall enforce the provisions of this section and are empowered, using reasonable discretion, to check personal identification to determine if the user of the plate or placard is the disabled person so authorized to use such disabled persons parking privileges pursuant to Idaho Code section 49-410.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004)
Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or directions of a police officer or traffic control device, in any of the following places, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle:
A.
On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of curb of a street.
B.
On a sidewalk.
C.
Within an intersection.
D.
On a crosswalk.
E.
On a bike lane or bike path.
F.
Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic.
G.
Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway, or within a highway tunnel.
H.
At any place where official traffic control devices posted at the direction or under the authority of the Ada County highway district or Idaho transportation department prohibit or limit such stopping, standing or parking, including painted curbs.
I.
On bridges or overpasses.
J.
In front of a driveway.
K.
Within fifteen feet (15') of a fire hydrant.
L.
Within twenty feet (20') of a crosswalk.
M.
Within thirty feet (30') of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal.
N.
Within twenty feet (20') of a fire station driveway.
O.
Any public property designated with "No Parking" signs.
P.
Within five feet (5') of a curb cut.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004; amd. Ord. 317, 11-9-2020)
No person shall stop, park or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon a street or highway in such a manner or under such conditions as to leave available less than twelve feet (12') of such roadway for the free movement of vehicular traffic.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004)
No person shall park a vehicle within an alley, except while actively engaged in the expeditious loading and unloading of passengers, supplies and merchandise. In no case shall the stop for loading and unloading exceed thirty (30) minutes.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004)
No person shall park a vehicle upon any street or alley for a period of seventy-two (72) hours or longer. Motor homes, boats, and trailers shall be deemed to have been continuously parked for the purposes of this section if they:
A.
Are moved from a parking spot and then re-parked on the same side of the street where the vehicle was parked between two (2) intersecting streets;
B.
Moved to public property less than six hundred (600') away from the original parking spot; or
C.
Are moved from a parking spot and then re-parked n an adjacent street abutting the same property within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of said removal.
No overnight parking of vehicles is permitted on city property unless otherwise designated.
(Ord. 127, 7-19-2005; amd. Ord. 292, 8-6-2019; Amended by Ord. 407-2024 on 6/18/2024)
No person having control or charge of a vehicle shall allow such vehicle to stand on any street unattended without stopping the motor of the vehicle and effectively setting the brakes thereon.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004)
A.
Trucks: No "truck", as defined in section 5-2-1 of this chapter, shall be parked on any residential street, alley or roadway where "No Parking" signs are displayed within the limits of the city, other than for the purpose of loading or unloading cargo.
B.
Trailers: No "trailer", as defined in section 5-2-1 of this chapter, over twenty-two feet (22') overall length (tongue to rear of trailer including any bumper), whether attended or unattended, shall be parked upon the streets in any residential area within the incorporated city limits of Star overnight, except while actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers or cargo, which charging batteries, or performing light maintenance or repair, during which, the trailer shall not be used as sleeping quarters.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004; Ord. 127, 7-19-2005; amd. Ord. 292, 8-6-2019)
The law enforcement officials and any other individual designated by the city council shall have the authority to issue parking tickets as follows:
A.
Issuance of Ticket: It shall be the duty of the law enforcement officials or any other individual designated by the city council, upon observing a motor vehicle, or motor vehicle and trailer, parked, standing, or stopped in violation of the provisions of this chapter, to leave upon such vehicle a separate parking ticket every two (2) hours that such vehicle has been parked, standing, or stopped in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Such parking ticket shall bear the hour and date of leaving the same upon the vehicle, and make of the vehicle, the vehicle's license number, the specified city code section violated, and the amount of the fine for such violation. Each parking ticket shall instruct the operator of the vehicle to report to the city clerk at the city hall and within ten (10) days of the date in which the ticket was issued, pay the full amount designated on the ticket. Failure to pay the ticket within the time required may result in the imposition of a late fee.
B.
Payment of Fine to City Clerk: To avoid burdening the judicial system with parking violations and for the convenience of the public, each person receiving a parking ticket under this chapter shall report to city hall and pay the city clerk.
C.
Fine Schedule: The fines for the parking violations in the city, including late fees, shall be charged in accordance with the rate schedule adopted by resolution of the city council, which may be amended from time to time.
D.
Registered Owner: If any vehicle is found stopped, standing, or parked in violation of the provisions of this chapter, the fact that the vehicle is registered or leased to a person shall be considered prima facie evidence that such person was in control of the vehicle at the time of such violation.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004)
Any operator of a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle and trailer who shall stand, stop, or park such vehicle in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to have committed a parking violation. In the event that a parking ticket is not paid in accordance with the administrative procedure set forth in this chapter, an infraction citation or a complaint for a parking violation may be filed in the magistrate division of the district court.
(Ord. 101, 5-4-2004)
5-2-12-1: Creation of Residential and Special Parking Districts:
A.
Determination: The city council may determine which areas, if any, of the city should be designated as either Residential Parking District (RPD) or Special Parking District (SPD) permit parking zones. A request to create or amend a parking district may come from the city or from a resident of the city. All requests shall be reviewed by the zoning administrator to determine whether to submit the request to the city council for approval.
B.
Public Hearing: The city council shall conduct a public hearing concerning any proposed designation of an RPD or SPD. The public hearing shall be held only after notice thereof has been published in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the city and written notification has been distributed to all properties in the affected area and residents within 300 feet of the boundaries of the proposed district at least ten (10) days prior to the date set for the hearing.
C.
Approval of City Council: Upon approval, the city council shall direct the zoning administrator to erect signs indicating that the designated area is an RPD or SPD permit zone and the time limits for parking.
D.
Characteristics: The zoning administrator shall determine for all RPD and SPD permit zones:
1.
The days of the week that the zone shall be in effect, and the hours of enforcement for the zone;
2.
The design and proper posting requirement for all RPD and SPD permit zone signs;
3.
The specific requirements for the parking permits used within RPD and SPD permit zones; and
4.
The specific locations, if any, within an RPD or SPD permit zone in which parking must be further restricted to maintain public safety or previous commitments, such as, but not limited to, loading zones or no parking zones.
5-2-12-2: Residential and Special Parking District Permits; Specific Requirements:
A.
Residency: In addition to the minimum parking permit application and requirements set forth in this section, all applicants for RPD or SPD parking permits shall also provide written proof of the applicant's residency within the applicable RPD or SPD zone, which may include documented proof that the applicant's vehicle is registered to a residence within the RPD or SPD zone.
B.
Bona Fide Visitor Permits: The zoning administrator is hereby authorized and directed to create provisions for the issuance of temporary parking permits for bona fide visitors of residents within an RPD or SPD.
C.
Authority To Regulate: In order to maintain the integrity of the neighborhoods and properly manage RPD and SPD zones, the zoning administrator may:
1.
Limit the number of RPD or SPD parking permits issued per household;
2.
Limit the number of temporary visitor parking permits issued per household;
3.
Limit the total number of parking permits issued within an entire RPD or SPD zone;
4.
Charge a fee for RPD, SPD or visitor parking permits before their issuance; and
5.
Require RPD, SPD or visitor permits to contain information which the zoning administrator deems necessary.
D.
Nonrefundable Fees: Any RPD, SPD or visitor's parking permit fees that are established by the city council and listed on the most current city clerk fee schedule shall accompany the application and are nonrefundable.
E.
Display; Nontransferable: All issued RPD, SPD or visitor parking permits shall be displayed as directed by the zoning administrator and clearly visible at all times when parking pursuant to an RPD, SPD or visitor's parking permit. All RPD and SPD parking permits are specifically assigned to the vehicle listed on the permit application and are nontransferable, except by express written permission of the zoning administrator.
F.
Term; Renewal: All RPD and SPD parking permits shall be issued for a one-year period and shall automatically expire at the end of such period. RPD and SPD parking permit holders must follow the permit renewal process as developed and implemented by the zoning administrator.
5-2-12-3: Use of Residential and Special Parking District Permits:
A.
Zones Created: The designation of an RPD or SPD shall allow the zoning administrator to create zones for use by special groups with permits and shall limit the length of time that vehicles without such permits shall be allowed to park within such RPD or SPD.
B.
Parking Authorized With Permit: Any vehicle with a valid and properly displayed RPD, SPD or visitor's permit for such RPD or SPD is entitled to park within the RPD or SPD to which the permit applies, without regard to the posted parking time limitations.
C.
Applicability Of Permit: A parking permit for an RPD or SPD is specific to the RPD, visitors permit or SPD for which it is issued. An RPD, SPD or visitor's parking permit shall not authorize the holder thereof to park beyond the posted time limits in any RPD or SPD other than that to which the permit applies.
D.
Surrender Upon Suspension Or Revocation: Upon written notification suspending or revoking an RPD, SPD or visitor's permit, the permittee shall immediately surrender the permit to the parking services office.
E.
Specific Limitations Of Parking Within A Residential Or Special Parking District: In addition to the qualifications, requirements and other standards set forth in this article which apply to both RPDs and SPDs, the following limitations and restrictions are specific to each type of district:
1.
Residential Parking District Specific Use Limitations: Every vehicle parked within an RPD which properly displays a current RPD permit, or visitor's permit must be parked within two (2) blocks of the residence listed on the permit application. The RPD permit code on the vehicle must correspond with the decal code displayed on the posted RPD signs. All vehicles without a valid RPD permit or visitor's permit which stop, stand or park within an RPD must be removed from that block face at the expiration of the posted time limit for parking for the remainder of that calendar day.
2.
Special Parking District Specific Use Limitations: Businesses within an SPD shall be limited to the set number of SPD parking permits available. All vehicles without a valid SPD permit or visitor's permit which stop, stand or park within an SPD must be removed from the boundaries of the SPD at the expiration of the posted time limit for parking, for the remainder of that calendar day.
5-2-12-4: Residential and Special Parking District Unlawful Acts:
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
A.
Park a vehicle without a properly displayed and valid RPD, SPD or visitor's permit past the expiration of the posted time limits for that RPD or SPD zone;
B.
Fail to remove a nonpermitted vehicle from the same block face in an RPD zone at the expiration of the posted parking time limits for the remainder of that calendar day;
C.
Fail to remove a nonpermitted vehicle from the boundaries of an SPD zone at the expiration of the posted parking time limits for the remainder of that calendar day;
D.
Fail to park within two (2) blocks of the residence listed on the permit application of the vehicle displaying an RPD zone permit or visitor's permit;
E.
Park a vehicle with an RPD, SPD or visitor's permit past the posted parking time limits in any other RPD or SPD zone to which the vehicle's permit does not apply; or
F.
Fail to comply with any of the terms, conditions or restrictions placed on the issuance and use of an RPD, SPD or visitor's permit pursuant to this article and article B of this chapter.
5-2-12-5: Denial, Suspension or Revocation of Residential and Special Parking District Permit:
Failure to comply with the standards, requirements and qualifications established by the zoning administrator shall be the basis for the denial, suspension, or revocation of any parking permit regulated under this section. The denial, suspension or revocation of any parking permit under this article and any review thereof, is governed by this section.
5-2-12-6: Review of District:
Council and/or the zoning administrator may periodically perform a review of the established district to determine its viability. Results may be brought before the council to determine if modifications, including termination of the district is necessary.
(Ord. No. 424-2025, § 2, 9-2-2025)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 424-2025, § 2, adopted Sep. 2, 2025, set out provisions intended for use as § 5-2-10. Inasmuch as there were already provisions so designated, said section has been codified herein as § § 5-2-12 at the discretion of the editor.
(Rep. by Ord. 317, 11-9-2020)