The Beverly Hills City Council on June 23 introduced an ordinance prohibiting the parking of hitched or unhitched trailers on city streets and alleys without a city permit.

According to a staff report, the city previously had no ordinance specifically prohibiting trailer parking, creating enforcement challenges and potential traffic safety concerns. Police officials said parked trailers can obstruct visibility for motorists and contribute to traffic congestion on residential streets.

The ordinance was prompted in part by a recent complaint in which a resident reported difficulty safely exiting a driveway because a pickup truck with an attached trailer blocked the view of oncoming traffic.

“Our police department was very limited in what they could do other than just enforce time [restrictions],” BHPD Captain Renato Moreno said.

The new ordinance gives the police department greater ticketing capability for trailers that block visibility and public right-of-way.

The new ordinance allows exemptions for trailers associated with permitted construction projects, film productions and special events, as well as city-owned, government, emergency and public utility vehicles. Trailers actively engaged in property maintenance or service work during business hours are also exempt under certain circumstances. The police department and public works department may issue permits after reviewing applications explaining the need for trailer parking. The fine for trailers that are parked without a permit will be $55.

The ordinance received unanimous support from the City Council.

“I’m surprised that we didn’t already have this on the books, so I’m definitely supportive of it,” Mayor Craig Corman said.

The ordinance will return to the council for a second reading before taking effect.