Street Parking Limits: Petaluma vs Sonoma
How do street parking limits rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Petaluma and Sonoma have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Under California Vehicle Code §22651(k) and PMC Ch. 11.44/11.64, a vehicle that remains parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours can be tagged, cited, and towed as an abandoned vehicle.
View full Petaluma rules →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
On-street parking in Sonoma is governed by SMC Chapter 10.48 (Stopping, Standing and Parking), which prohibits use of city streets as long-term vehicle storage and authorizes posted time-limited zones around the Plaza and downtown.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Rule | No street parking >72 hours | - |
| Statewide Authority | CVC §22651(k) | - |
| Local Code | Petaluma Code Ch. 11.64 | - |
| Primary code | - | SMC Ch. 10.48 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) |
| Daylighting (crosswalks) | - | 20 ft clearance under CVC 22500(n) |
| 72-hour rule | - | Enforced under CVC 22651(k) |
| Tall vehicles on Hwy 12 | - | Prohibited within 100 ft of intersections (SMC 10.48.043) |
| Citation payment | - | CitationProcessingCenter.com or mail to City of Sonoma |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Does just driving around the block reset the clock?
No — the vehicle must be moved a substantial distance to a new location for the 72-hour count to reset.
Sonoma FAQ
How long can I leave a car parked on a Sonoma street?
Under CVC 22651(k), any vehicle left on a public street for 72 or more consecutive hours may be cited and towed. Shorter posted limits (1-, 2-, or 3-hour zones) apply around the Plaza.
Does the new California daylighting law apply in Sonoma?
Yes. CVC 22500(n) took effect statewide on January 1, 2025 and prohibits parking within 20 feet of the approach side of any crosswalk — marked or unmarked — including throughout the City of Sonoma.
Where do I pay a City of Sonoma parking ticket?
The City directs citation holders to CitationProcessingCenter.com or to mail payment payable to the City of Sonoma.
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