Santa Clara County, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Who designates areas
- Board of Supervisors by resolution
- Exempt
- Emergency, service, and disabled-placard vehicles
- Penalty
- Infraction under California Vehicle Code
- Effective only after
- Signs or markings posted
Summary
The Board of Supervisors can designate residential permit parking areas in unincorporated Santa Clara County where only permitted residents and exempt vehicles may park.
Except as otherwise provided herein, no person shall stand or park a vehicle upon any street or highway, or portion thereof, designated a residential permit parking area. ... Such streets or highways, or portions thereof, as are designated by the Board of Supervisors by resolution are residential permit parking areas subject to the provisions of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, streets designated by Board of Supervisors resolution as residential permit parking areas bar vehicles from parking there except those displaying a valid permit issued to a resident of that street. Emergency vehicles, service vehicles making deliveries or repairs, and vehicles displaying valid disabled placards are exempt. A parking permit does not guarantee an on-street space and does not exempt the vehicle from other parking rules. The restrictions only take effect once signs or markings giving notice are posted, and violations are infractions under the California Vehicle Code.
Violations & Fines
Parking without a permit or exemption in a designated residential permit parking area is an infraction under the California Vehicle Code, per Sec. B17-98.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park without a permit on a residential permit parking street in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
Does a parking permit guarantee me a space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.