Riverside County, CA Parking Rules: Dibs & Space Saving (2026)

The 'dibs' practice (calling Chicago-style space-saving after shoveling snow) does not apply in Riverside County — virtually no part of the inland county receives meaningful snow on public roads except brief events in Idyllwild, Anza, and the higher San Jacinto elevations, and even there Cal Trans and County Public Works plow rather than expecting residents to shovel. There is no legal basis under Ordinance 348, 413, or any Riverside County ordinance allowing a resident to reserve a public parking space with cones, chairs, trash cans, or vehicles. Public right-of-way is open to any lawful user on a first-come basis. Placing objects in the street or on the public shoulder may be cited as a traffic hazard under CVC §22520.5 or as illegal dumping under Ord. 745, and objects are subject to removal by the county without notice. In private HOA lots and event parking, the private owner sets the rules. Disputes between neighbors over on-street parking are civil matters unless they involve harassment, vandalism, or blocked driveways, which remain enforceable under state law.