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

6 authorizes the City Council to designate, by resolution, certain residential streets as preferential parking districts where permit-displaying vehicles are exempt from otherwise posted parking restrictions, but only after finding the district is needed to relieve overflow parking from nearby non-residential uses. Getting a district started requires residents to submit an application with a petition signed by owners of at least 75% of the dwelling units in the proposed area under subsection (c)(1)(ii). The area itself must qualify under subsection (c)(2): at least 75% single-family residential composed of whole blocks, any multi-family properties limited to duplexes through fourplexes, at least 75% of on-street spaces occupied during the requested hours, and at least half of the parked vehicles registered to nonresidents.

The City Traffic Engineer studies the petition and recommends action to the Public Works Committee before the City Council holds a noticed public hearing. Once established, subsection (c)(5) requires permits to reach at least 50% of district residents within 60 days or the district can be terminated, and a district can also be dissolved on a majority petition of property owners under (c)(6). Subsection (d) governs permit issuance: applicants prove residency with a utility bill, vehicle registration, or insurance proof, and the Finance Department collects a Council-set fee per permit.

Single-family units get up to two permits (three with a hardship showing), multi-family units get one (two with a hardship showing), residents can obtain up to 10 one-day temporary guest permits per month, and subsection (a)(4) caps any permit holder from leaving a vehicle standing more than 72 hours. Total permits issued for a district cannot exceed 150% of its available on-street spaces, and semi-tractor trucks, motor homes, motorcycles, and trailers cannot receive permits at all.