Arcadia, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Designated Space
- City-owned or operated off-street stall designated by Council
- Parking allowed
- Only vehicles connected for electric charging
- Sign size
- No less than 17 by 22 inches
- Enforcement
- Removal to nearest City-approved Garage after police notice
- Development Code trigger
- More than 100 required spaces, or 150-space lot redesign
- Multifamily and non-residential
- EV ready infrastructure per CALGreen
Summary
In the City of Arcadia, California, a vehicle cannot park in or block a City-designated electric charging space unless it is connected for charging. The City can tow violators. Separately, the Development Code lets the reviewing authority require EV facilities where more than 100 spaces are required or an existing lot of 150 or more spaces is redesigned.
Section 10.18. ... Restricted Parking for Vehicles Connected to Electric Charging Stations. ... b. A person shall not park or leave standing a vehicle in a Designated Space unless the vehicle is connected for electric charging purposes. c. A person shall not obstruct, block, or otherwise bar access to a Designated Space unless the vehicle is connected for electric charging purposes. ... A.Applicability. ... As part of the Site Plan and Design Review process, the responsible Reviewing Authority shall have the authority to require that parking facilities be provided to accommodate electric or other alternative fuel vehicles. Generally, facilities shall be provided where more than 100 parking spaces are required per this Section, or whenever the redesign of an existing parking lot with 150 or more spaces is proposed.B.Developmental Standards - Electric Vehicle Recharging Facilities. Electric vehicle ready charging infrastructure shall be provided in multifamily housing developments and non-residential developments according to the standards outlined by the California Green Building Standards Code.
Full Breakdown
Two provisions govern EV parking. Uniform Traffic Ordinance Section 10.18 (§ 3214.19), added by Ord. No. 2365 on 11-19-19, covers off-street parking facilities owned or operated by the City. A "Designated Space" is a stall the City Council designates by ordinance or resolution for the exclusive purpose of charging and parking a vehicle connected for electric charging, and it must carry an Electric Vehicle Parking Sign. The sign is placed by the City Traffic Engineer or designee, is no less than 17 by 22 inches with lettering not less than one inch in height, and states that unauthorized vehicles not connected for electric charging will be towed away at the owner's expense.
It is posted either immediately adjacent to and visible from the space or in a conspicuous place at each entrance to the facility. Under subsection (b) no person can park or leave standing a vehicle in a Designated Space unless it is connected for charging, and under subsection (c) no person can obstruct, block or bar access to it. Under subsection (d) the City, after notifying its police department, can remove a violating vehicle to the nearest Garage owned, leased or approved for use by the City.
Subsection (e) keeps every other parking regulation in the Uniform Traffic Ordinance and the Municipal Code in force. For new development, § 9103.07.140 of the Development Code lets the reviewing authority in Site Plan and Design Review require EV or alternative fuel parking, with facilities provided where more than 100 parking spaces are required or when a lot with 150 or more spaces is redesigned. Multifamily and non-residential developments must provide EV ready charging infrastructure to the California Green Building Standards Code.
Violations & Fines
Section 3211.1 punishes any Uniform Traffic Ordinance violation under § 1200. An infraction carries a fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for a third and each additional one; a misdemeanor carries up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both. Towing under Section 10.18(d) is a separate remedy, at the owner's expense per the posted sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park in an EV charging space without charging in the City of Arcadia, California?
Will my car be towed from a Designated Space?
What must the EV parking sign say and look like?
Does a new parking lot in the City of Arcadia have to include EV charging?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arcadia
California rules heatmap·Compare Arcadia to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
EV Charging in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle ev charging.