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Santa Rosa, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)

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

Key Facts

General Overnight Ban
None city-wide
City Lot Limit (Default)
72 hours
Downtown Meter Hours
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday Meters
Free
Safe Parking Spaces
Up to 52
Safe Parking Referral
Catholic Charities HOST 707-978-8329

Summary

Santa Rosa has no city-wide ordinance banning overnight street parking on residential streets. The 72-hour limit and posted time-limited zones apply. The City operates a Safe Parking Program offering 52 designated overnight spaces for adults experiencing vehicular homelessness.

The Safe Parking Program opened March 7, 2022 and provides up to 52 parking spaces for adults who are experiencing homelessness as a place to safely park their vehicle or RV with access to basic services, such as food, sanitation, and shower facilities, as well as wrap-around services. It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing any vehicle at a City-owned or operated off-street parking facility in excess of the posted time limit, or 72 hours if not posted.

Full Breakdown

Santa Rosa City Code Title 11 does not impose a general overnight curfew on residential street parking; the principal on-street time restriction is the 72-hour rule. and on Sundays; (2) City-owned or operated off-street parking facilities have a 72-hour posted limit unless otherwise marked, per Chapter 11-24; (3) sleeping in a vehicle on a residential street, while not banned outright, is functionally regulated through the 72-hour rule and through the City's Safe Parking Program. The Safe Parking Program, opened March 7, 2022, provides up to 52 parking spaces for adults who are experiencing homelessness with access to food, sanitation, shower facilities, and wrap-around services.

Enrollment is managed by Catholic Charities' Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) at 707-978-8329. Outside the Safe Parking site, RV occupancy on residential streets and lots remains subject to the 72-hour limit and the Zoning Code's setback storage rules.

Violations & Fines

Overnight parking that violates the 72-hour rule or posted time-limited zones is enforced through citation and tow under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) (72-hour rule) and Santa Rosa Title 11 (posted-zone overtime). Downtown meter violations are enforced by Santa Rosa Parking Enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park overnight on a Santa Rosa residential street?
Yes, Santa Rosa does not impose a city-wide overnight parking ban on residential streets. However, the 72-hour parking limit always applies, and posted permit-parking zones (Chapter 11-44) or signed time-restricted blocks may impose additional limits. Check posted signs.
Can I sleep in my car or RV overnight in Santa Rosa?
On public streets, no specific ban targets vehicle dwelling, but the 72-hour limit and posted restrictions apply. Adults experiencing homelessness can apply to the City's Safe Parking Program (up to 52 designated spaces with services) via Catholic Charities HOST at 707-978-8329.
Do downtown garages allow overnight parking?
Santa Rosa downtown garages and lots have a 72-hour posted limit under Chapter 11-24 unless otherwise specified. Permits ($25-$160/month) are available for regular downtown parking, including evening-employee permits at reduced rates.

Sources & Official References

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