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Rohnert Park, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
RPMC § 1.23.030(D)(16)
Allowed surfaces
Driveway, garage, carport, or approved durable surface
Durable surface defined
Concrete, asphalt, or permanently fitted pavers, § 1.23.020(O)
Commercial standard
Paved surface required; see Chapter 17.16
Cross-reference
Also governed by § 17.16.080

Summary

Rohnert Park bars parking a vehicle in a required front or side yard setback unless it's on a driveway, in an approved garage or carport, or on another "durable surface", concrete, asphalt or permanently fitted pavers, under Section 1.23.030(D)(16). Gravel or bare dirt in the yard doesn't qualify.

N."Driveway" as defined in this chapter is a paved surface that leads to a residential garage or carport.O."Durable surface" as defined in this chapter shall consist of concrete, asphalt, permanently fitted stone or masonry pavers, or other durable material as may be approved by the city. ... 16.Parking a vehicle in any required front yard or side yard setback upon any residential property, except upon a driveway, within an approved garage or carport, or upon another durable surface in conformity with applicable requirements in this code, including Section 17.16.080 of this code; parking a vehicle on any commercial property except on a paved surface, or upon an unimproved lot or parcel in any zone, or in violation of Chapter 17.16 of this code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

020(O). That means dirt, gravel, mulch or an unimproved lawn strip in the setback doesn't satisfy the rule, even if a car is parked there regularly. 16, the city's off-street parking standards. 25 for a chronic violation.

Violations & Fines

Fines follow the city's administrative fee resolution or, if none applies, the maximum infraction amounts under Government Code Section 36900(b) per Section 1.24.060. The offender has twenty-one calendar days to pay in full, or fifteen calendar days to request an appeal hearing with a deposit equal to the fine under Section 1.24.070; each day the vehicle remains in the setback is a separate violation under Section 1.23.030(F).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park on the gravel or dirt strip beside my driveway?
No. Section 1.23.030(D)(16) only allows parking in a front or side yard setback on a driveway, in a garage or carport, or on a "durable surface" defined in Section 1.23.020(O) as concrete, asphalt or permanently fitted stone or masonry pavers. Gravel, mulch and bare dirt don't meet that definition.
What counts as a driveway under this rule?
Section 1.23.020(N) defines it narrowly: "a paved surface that leads to a residential garage or carport." A dirt or gravel path to a carport wouldn't qualify as a driveway for purposes of the parking exception.
Does the rule apply to businesses too?
Yes, with a different standard. Section 1.23.030(D)(16) separately bars parking on commercial property except on a paved surface, and it applies Chapter 17.16's off-street parking requirements on top of that.

Sources & Official References

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