Coeur d'Alene Bans Parking Near Alleyways

Council unanimously approved a rule barring parking within 15 feet of alley entrances to help garbage trucks access them.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in City Hall

Vector-style editorial illustration of a bright yellow painted curb beside a narrow alley mouth, with a soft evergreen shape behind and open space around it. — Coeur d'Alene's council unanimously barred parking within 15 feet of alley entrances on Tuesday so Republic Services trucks can make safe turns and keep scheduled trash pickups on time. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Coeur d'Alene officials unanimously passed a rule prohibiting parking within 15 feet of an alleyway on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The city's solid waste hauler, Republic Services, has struggled to enter and exit some alleys, and some customers have missed scheduled trash collection.

Why it matters

Vehicles parked too close to alley-street intersections prevent Republic trucks from safely making turns, forcing collection to be rescheduled or missed. The rule aims to restore reliable pickup for Coeur d'Alene residents and businesses that rely on alley service.

The ordinance sets a 15-foot no-parking distance measured in each direction from each alley entrance. The number of affected customers and the length of the warning period before citations are not specified in the available information.

The players

Republic Services

Republic Services is a large waste management company and the city's contracted solid waste hauler, whose trucks must safely enter and exit Coeur d'Alene's alleys to collect trash.

The details

Republic drivers have backed into streets when alleys were blocked, and some customers have had solid waste left uncollected on scheduled days. The city will issue warnings before citations and may post signs in selected areas if education proves ineffective.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Council unanimously passed the 15-foot alleyway parking prohibition.

Big Picture

The ordinance follows the common municipal practice of adding specific parking buffers to keep alley-based garbage service workable for collection vehicles. It applies that practice to Coeur d'Alene's alleys specifically.

Residents who park near alley entrances must move vehicles at least 15 feet from the opening to allow trash trucks to pass. Households relying on alley pickup should expect warnings before any citations are issued.

The takeaway

Keeping alley entrances clear is the simplest way to ensure your trash is collected on schedule. Check your alley before parking and move vehicles well clear of the entrance.