Norwalk, CA Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)

160(A) gives the City Engineer authority to establish parking and standing regulations for street distances of 100 feet or less whenever the Engineer finds that parking would unduly hamper the free flow of traffic, create a special traffic hazard, or endanger public health or safety; the Public Safety Commission holds the same authority without the 100-foot cap. Subsection (B) then fixes what each paint color legally means, and only the City Engineer, not a private property owner, may place these markings on a public street.

A red curb means no stopping, standing or parking at any time except as the Vehicle Code allows, though a bus may stop in a red zone marked or signed as a bus zone. on any day except Sunday and holidays, unless signage indicates otherwise. Yellow and white curbs, which govern active loading, carry their own three-minute and 20-minute caps under separate provisions of the same section. 160(C) makes it unlawful for any vehicle to stop, stand or park adjacent to it in violation of what the marking or sign says.

A person who disagrees with whether the City Engineer should establish, or decline to establish, a curb regulation can appeal that decision to the Public Safety Commission, and a Public Safety Commission decision can be appealed on to the City Council. 180, the owner of a designated commercial establishment may mark its own private curb and post signage to restrict parking on its private road.