Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Brentwood, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

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

Key Facts

Establishing authority
City engineer, per CA Vehicle Code
Permit issuer
Chief of police or designee
Eligible users
Residents, owners, employees, authorized guests
Display required
Yes, even for eligible permit holders

Summary

Brentwood lets the city engineer create permit parking areas in neighborhoods overwhelmed by outside parking demand under Municipal Code Section 10.13.280. Once posted with permit signs, it is unlawful to park in the area during restricted hours without a permit issued by the chief of police.

A. Unlawful. ... It is unlawful to stop, stand or park a motor vehicle during hours when such parking is prohibited by signs indicating that a specified parking permit is required during such hours in the area. ... ... B. Establishment. Parking permit areas may be established by the city engineer in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code in areas where there is a large influx of parking and where it has become difficult for residents, owners, employees and guests to park. Signs shall be posted at the entrance or beginning of a specified permit parking area, and at intervals which are frequent enough to provide fair notice to motorist that the area is subject to the parking permit regulations. C. Parking permits shall be issued by the chief of police or his/her designee in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4604307; v5 updated 2025-12-09).

Full Breakdown

280 gives the city engineer authority to establish parking permit areas under the applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code wherever a large influx of outside parking has made it difficult for residents, property owners, employees, and their guests to find a space near home or work. Before the restriction can be enforced, the city has to post signs at the entrance to the permit area and at intervals frequent enough to give drivers fair notice that the area requires a permit. Once those signs are up, it is unlawful to stop, stand, or park during the restricted hours without displaying the specified permit, and it is equally unlawful to park longer than a permit's extended-parking limit allows.

The chief of police, or a designee, issues the actual permits under the applicable Vehicle Code provisions and can issue different permit types tied to specific areas or specific lengths of validity. Permits are meant only for residents, owners, employees, and authorized guests of the district, and displaying an unauthorized permit to park in a no-permit area, or to exceed a time-limited parking area's posted limit, is itself a separate violation of the section. 220, letting a permit holder park longer than the forty-five minute, one-hour, or other posted time limit that would otherwise apply on a signed block.

Violations & Fines

Parking in a permit area without displaying the required permit, or displaying an unauthorized permit, violates Section 10.13.280 regardless of residency, and is enforced as a Title 10 offense under Section 10.21.010: an infraction, misdemeanor, or civil penalty under California Vehicle Code Division 17.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides where Brentwood creates a permit parking district?
The city engineer establishes parking permit areas under Section 10.13.280, applying California Vehicle Code standards, in neighborhoods where an influx of outside parking has made it hard for residents, owners, employees, and guests to park.
Who issues the actual parking permits?
The chief of police, or a designee, issues permits under Section 10.13.280 in accordance with the California Vehicle Code, and can issue different permit types for specific areas or specific lengths of validity.
What happens if I park in a permit district but forget to display my permit?
You are still in violation. Section 10.13.280 makes it unlawful to park in a permit area during restricted hours without properly displaying the permit, even if you are a resident, owner, employee, or authorized guest who actually holds one.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brentwood

All Brentwood rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Brentwood to another location·View the California parking rules overview

Get notified when Preferential Parking Districts in Brentwood, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Preferential Parking Districts in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Contra Costa County handle preferential parking districts.

Antioch, CA
Significant Restrictions