Brentwood, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (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.
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?
Who issues the actual parking permits?
What happens if I park in a permit district but forget to display my permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brentwood
California rules heatmap·Compare Brentwood 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.
Preferential Parking Districts in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle preferential parking districts.