Parking Rules in Fillmore, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Fillmore or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Fillmore has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Overnight Parking
Fillmore restricts overnight parking on certain city streets. Vehicles left on public streets for extended periods (over 72 hours) are subject to towing under California Vehicle Code §22651. Street sweeping schedules may require vehicle movement on designated days.
Key details: 72-Hour Rule: State law — CVC §22651(k). Street Sweeping: Must move on designated days. Downtown: Additional restrictions may apply. Inoperable Vehicles: Subject to immediate enforcement. Enforcement: Sheriff (805) 524-2233.
Vehicles parked over 72 hours receive a notice before towing. Parking during street sweeping results in a citation (typically $50-$75). Blocking fire hydrants carries immediate towing plus fines. Inoperable vehicles are subject to impound.
Driveway Rules
Fillmore requires driveways to be paved with approved materials and meet minimum width standards. Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces, not on front lawns or bare dirt. Driveway approach permits are required for new driveways or modifications to existing curb cuts.
Key details: Surface: Must be paved (concrete, asphalt, pavers). Min Width: 10-12 feet single, 18-20 feet double. Lawn Parking: Prohibited in front yards. Approach Permit: Required for new/modified curb cuts. Contact: Public Works dept.
Parking on unpaved front yard areas is a zoning violation subject to code enforcement. Unpermitted driveway approaches are public works violations. Non-compliant driveways may need to be reconstructed to meet standards.
EV Charging
California law (Civil Code §4745) protects homeowners' right to install EV charging stations. Fillmore cannot unreasonably restrict home EV charger installation. New construction must include EV-ready infrastructure per California Building Code. HOAs cannot prohibit EV chargers.
Key details: Home Chargers: Protected right under state law. Level 1 (120V): No electrical permit needed. Level 2 (240V): Electrical permit required. HOA Restrictions: Cannot prohibit (CC §4745). New Construction: EV-ready infrastructure required.
No penalties for installing EV chargers with proper permits. Installing a Level 2 charger without an electrical permit is a building code violation. HOAs that prohibit EV chargers violate Civil Code §4745.
Fillmore is more permissive than most cities when it comes to ev charging. That said, there are still limits.
RV & Boat Parking
Fillmore regulates RV and boat parking on residential properties. Large recreational vehicles and boats may be stored in side or rear yards but generally cannot be parked in front yards for extended periods. Vehicles must be operable, registered, and may not be used as living quarters.
Key details: Preferred Location: Side or rear yard. Front Yard: May be restricted. Registration: Must be current. Dwelling Use: Prohibited without permit. On-Street: 72-hour limit applies.
RVs or boats stored in violation of zoning requirements receive code enforcement notices. Inoperable or unregistered vehicles are subject to removal. Living in an RV on residential property is a zoning violation.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Commercial vehicle parking in residential zones is regulated by the Fillmore Municipal Code. Home occupations prohibit large commercial vehicles per standard zoning practice.
Key details: Home Business: Large commercial vehicles prohibited. Residential Zones: Restrictions apply. Enforcement: Code Enforcement (805) 946-1846. Loading/Unloading: Active delivery exempt.
Storing prohibited commercial vehicles in residential zones: written warning, then $100-$500 per day for continued violations. Heavy vehicles on restricted residential streets: $73 plus potential towing. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.
Abandoned Vehicles
Vehicles left more than 72 hours on public streets may be cited under CVC §22651. Inoperable vehicles on private property are a code enforcement violation.
Key details: Street Limit: 72 hours (CVC §22651). Report: Ventura County Sheriff. Private Property: Code Enforcement (805) 946-1846. Enforcement: Complaint-based.
72-hour notice followed by towing at $200-$400 plus $40-$60 per day in storage fees. Expired registration on public streets: $25-$100. Inoperable vehicle visible from public on private property: code enforcement fine of $100-$500 per day. Vehicles unclaimed after 30 days are sold at lien sale.
Street Parking Limits
CVC §22651 limits all vehicles to 72 hours on public streets. Fillmore enforces parking via the Ventura County Sheriff's Department under contract.
Key details: 72-Hour Limit: CVC §22651 — applies citywide. Enforcement: Ventura County Sheriff (contract). Abandoned Vehicle: Report to Sheriff's Dept.. Code: Fillmore Municipal Code — Traffic Chapter.
Overtime parking in posted zones: $50-$73. Exceeding the 72-hour limit: warning notice then towing at $200-$400 plus daily storage fees. Red zone violation: $73. Blocking a driveway: $73 plus possible towing. Parking on an unpaved surface or lawn in residential areas: $73-$100.
The Bottom Line
Fillmore's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fillmore is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Fillmore's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.