Modesto, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Petition threshold to establish
- 67% of residents/owners
- Petition threshold to dissolve
- 51% of residents/owners
- Eligible zoning
- R-1, R-2, or R-3 only
- Permit duration
- Maximum 1 year
- Reconsideration limit
- Once per zone per year
- State authority cited
- Vehicle Code § 22507
Summary
Modesto lets residents petition for a Residential Parking Permit Zone under Municipal Code Article 19. A petition signed by at least 67 percent of residents or property owners triggers a City Engineer survey and a Council public hearing; Council then may adopt a resolution establishing the zone, restricted to R-1, R-2, or R-3 areas, under Vehicle Code Section 22507.
Upon the receipt and verification of the petition prescribed by the City containing the valid signatures and phone numbers of at least sixty-seven (67) percent of the residents and/or owners of real property in a specific residential area proposed for designation, the City Engineer shall direct surveys or studies necessary to determine whether a residential area is suitable as a residential parking permit zone. Council shall conduct a public hearing to consider whether that residential area should be designated as a residential parking permit zone. Upon a finding by Council that the area proposed for designation has unique residential parking problems, due to the nature, location, frequency or duration of activities or events causing such problems, that outweigh the needs of the general public for access to the area and its facilities, the Council may by resolution establish a residential parking permit zone for said residential area in accordance with the provisions of this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
1912) governs Modesto's residential parking permit program, enacted to curb long-term non-resident congestion on neighborhood streets. 1901). The City Engineer then studies whether the area qualifies, and the Council holds a public hearing; it may designate the zone by resolution only after finding the area has unique parking problems that outweigh general public access needs. That resolution fixes the zone boundaries, time limitations, and restricted days. Council will not reconsider establishment of the same area more than once a year. 1902(d)). 1907(c)). 1906). 1909). 1911 allows a disestablishment petition signed by at least fifty-one (51) percent of residents or owners, or a written request from a major adjacent employer or institution, followed by another Council hearing and resolution.
Violations & Fines
Parking without a properly displayed valid resident permit in a posted zone is unlawful, with the fine amount set by Council resolution (Section 3-2.1904(a)). Falsely claiming eligibility, displaying a permit on a vehicle other than the one it was issued for, or selling/transferring a permit are each separate violations; selling or transferring can trigger revocation and denial at the next renewal cycle. Counterfeiting or altering a permit draws a civil penalty specified in the Council's fee resolution (Section 3-2.1904).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Modesto residents request a permit parking zone?
How long does a Modesto residential parking permit last?
What is the penalty for parking without a permit in a posted zone?
Can an established permit zone later be dissolved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto 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.