How Ojai Handles Parking Rules: A Practical Guide
Ojai maintains 22 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with parking rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ojai falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Abandoned Vehicles
Vehicles left more than 72 hours on public streets may be cited under CVC §22651. Inoperable vehicles on private property are cited by Code Compliance.
Key details: Street Limit: 72 hours (CVC §22651). Report Street: Ventura County Sheriff. Private Property: Code Compliance Division. Contact: Ojai Community Development 646-5581.
Abandoned vehicle on public street: 72-hour notice, then tow at owner's expense ($200-$500 tow plus daily storage). Inoperable vehicle visible from street on private property: $100-$250 nuisance citation and 30-day compliance order. Failure to remove after notice: $250-$500 fine and city-ordered removal at owner's expense.
EV Charging
Ojai follows California's streamlined EV charging permit process under AB 1236. Level 1 and Level 2 home charger installations require an electrical permit but receive expedited review. The city has public charging stations at City Hall and the Ojai Valley Inn.
Key details: Home Charger Permit: Electrical permit required, expedited. Sidewalk Cables: Prohibited. Public Chargers: City Hall, commercial locations. Multi-Family New Build: 10% EV-ready spaces (CALGreen).
Unpermitted installation: electrical correction notice. Sidewalk obstruction from cables: code compliance citation.
Ojai is more permissive than most cities when it comes to ev charging. That said, there are still limits.
Overnight Parking
Ojai does not have a general overnight street parking ban. Vehicles parked on public streets must not exceed the 72-hour parking limit. No parking on streets during posted sweeping times. Abandoned or inoperable vehicles are subject to towing.
Key details: Overnight Ban: None: no general overnight ban. 72-Hour Limit: May not park in same spot over 72 hours. Downtown: 2-hour time limits during business hours. Oversized Vehicles: No overnight parking on residential streets.
Exceeding 72-hour limit: vehicle may be towed. Parking during street sweeping: citation and potential tow.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ojai actively enforces its overnight parking requirements.
The Bottom Line
Ojai'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 Ojai is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Ojai's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.