Santa Rosa, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (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?
Can I sleep in my car or RV overnight in Santa Rosa?
Do downtown garages allow overnight parking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa
How Santa Rosa compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Overnight Parking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle overnight parking.