Sonora Driveway Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

In Sonora, residential driveways are privately maintained but the driveway apron — the portion between the sidewalk and the curb — is typically part of the public right-of-way. Under Sonora Municipal Code Title 10, no vehicle may be parked in a manner that obstructs pedestrian access across the sidewalk or encroaches into the public street right-of-way without a permit. This means vehicles must be parked fully within the private portion of the driveway, behind the sidewalk line.

Parking on unpaved areas (dirt, gravel without a sealed surface, or landscaped areas) is generally discouraged under zoning and property maintenance standards to prevent soil erosion, drainage issues, and visual blight. For short-term rental operators specifically, Sonora's STR regulations expressly prohibit guest vehicles from parking in unpaved areas. Residents with unpaved areas used regularly for vehicle parking may receive nuisance abatement notices.

Any physical modification to a driveway that affects the public right-of-way — such as widening, adding a curb cut, or paving the apron — requires an encroachment permit from the City of Sonora Public Works Department. Residents with questions about driveway compliance should contact Public Works at (209) 532-4541.