Pasadena, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Curb reserved for loading
- Max 1/2 of block's total curb length
- Yellow zone marking
- "LOADING ONLY" stenciled in black
- White zone marking
- "PASSENGER LOADING ONLY" stenciled in black
- Materials loading limit
- 20 minutes, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Passenger loading limit
- 3 minutes
- Who designates zones
- City director of transportation
Summary
Pasadena's director of transportation may designate loading zones and passenger loading zones outside businesses, schools and assembly halls, but no more than half of a block's total curb length may be reserved for loading. Yellow curb paint marks freight zones; white marks passenger loading.
A.The director may determine and mark by signs or curb markings loading zones and passenger loading zones as follows: In front of or adjacent to any place of business, school, public building, hall or place used for the purpose of public assembly. B.In no event shall more than ½ of the total curb length in any block be reserved for loading zone purposes.C.Whenever curb marking is used, loading zones shall be indicated by a yellow paint line stenciled with black letters, "LOADING ONLY," upon the top of all curbs within such zones.D.Whenever curb marking is used, passenger loading zones shall be indicated by a white line stenciled with black letters, "PASSENGER LOADING ONLY," upon the top of all curbs in said zones.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 79 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
110. The section caps how much curb the city can give up to loading: no more than half of the total curb length on any block may be reserved for loading zone purposes, protecting the remaining curb for general parking. 110 requires a yellow line stenciled 'LOADING ONLY' in black letters along the top of the curb for freight loading zones, and a white line stenciled 'PASSENGER LOADING ONLY' for zones reserved to drop off or pick up passengers. ) and limits white-zone stops to passenger loading under 3 minutes.
A vehicle standing, stopping or parking in a marked loading zone outside its permitted use is a Title 10 violation. 070, the default classification is a misdemeanor unless state law treats the specific offense as an infraction, and Pasadena typically issues loading-zone citations as civil parking penalties collectible on the standard schedule set by city council resolution.
Violations & Fines
Parking outside the loading window (materials over 20 minutes, passengers over 3 minutes, or any use between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in a yellow zone) draws a civil parking citation under the fee schedule set by city council resolution; repeated or willful misuse can instead be charged as a Title 10 misdemeanor carrying up to a $500.00 fine and 6 months in jail under Section 10.12.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides where loading zones go in Pasadena?
How is a Pasadena loading zone marked?
How long can I load materials in a yellow zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
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Loading Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle loading zones.