Los Angeles, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual permit fee
- $34.00 (prorated minimum $11.50)
- Max permits per dwelling
- 3 annual permits
- Who can get a permit
- Residents of the designated district only (absentee landlords may get visitor permits)
- Visitor permit duration
- 4 months
- Guest permit duration
- One specified day only
- Temporary districts
- Up to 12 months by Council resolution; renewable administratively
Summary
Residential neighborhoods with inadequate off-street parking can petition to become Preferential Parking Districts, where commuter vehicles must comply with posted time-limit restrictions unless displaying a valid annual permit ($34/year).
5. Preferential parking district shall mean a residential area with streets and boundaries designated by a City Council resolution wherein vehicles displaying a valid permit shall be exempt from parking restrictions established pursuant to this section.
(b) Designation of Preferential Parking District: Preferential parking districts may be designated or dissolved, including those created by ordinance, by a City Council resolution.
The City Council shall, upon recommendation of the Department, consider for designation as preferential parking districts those areas satisfying the criteria established in this section for said districts.
(j) Annual Permit Fees: The fee for an Annual preferential parking permit shall be $34.00. The fee for an Annual preferential parking permit shall be prorated by the month for the unexpired period of the district, but in no case less than $11.50.
(e) Issuance of Permits: ...
2. No more than three Annual parking permits shall be issued to any one dwelling unit as defined in Section 12.03 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code...
3. Parking permits may be issued only to residents of the preferential parking district.
Full Breakdown
Districts are established by City Council resolution on recommendation of the Department of Transportation. Annual resident permits cost $34 and are valid up to one year; prorated permits cost no less than $11.50. No more than three annual permits may be issued per dwelling unit. Four-month visitor permits and single-day guest permits are also available. Commercial vehicles need a separate permit to park in a preferential district beyond the posted time limits unless actively loading/unloading or performing a service on the block. Temporary districts (up to 12 months) can be created by Council resolution for emergency relief situations such as post-disaster parking impacts.
Violations & Fines
Parking in a preferential district without a valid permit beyond posted restrictions is a civil penalty under LAMC § 80.76.2 (§ 80.58(k)(1)). Providing false information on a permit application, transferring or selling a permit, and using or displaying a counterfeit permit are all prohibited. Permits may be revoked for violations after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can park without restriction in a Preferential Parking District?
Can a tradesperson park their work van in a preferential district all day?
Does the permit guarantee me a parking spot in my district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Preferential Parking Districts in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle preferential parking districts.