Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Newport Beach, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permits per unit
Up to 3, permanent + visitor
Permit term
Jan. 1-Dec. 31 (1 year)
Issuing office
Administrative Services Director
Newport Island (Zone 1)
No parking without permit, May 15-Sept. 15
Zone 2 limit
2-hour limit, school days, 8am-6pm

Summary

Newport Beach lets the City Council create Residents' Preferential Parking zones under Chapter 12.68 where posted nonresident parking limits don't apply to permit-displaying vehicles; permits cost a Council-set fee, run one calendar year, and cap at three per dwelling unit.

§ 12.68.060.A. Zone "1" - Newport Island. No parking shall be permitted at any time on Newport Island, between May 15th and the following September 15th of any year, except by permit... § 12.68.040.A. Any combination of permanent and visitor permits, up to a total of three per unit, shall be issued for each qualified dwelling unit to any qualified applicant.

Full Breakdown

030, that nonresident parking substantially and regularly interferes with residents' use of available spaces at regular intervals, causes noise, traffic hazards, pollution, or property devaluation, that a majority of adjacent residents want the zone, and that no feasible alternative exists; no restriction takes effect until signs or markings are posted. 040, the Administrative Services Director issues permanent and visitor permits, up to a combined total of three per qualified dwelling unit, for a Council-set fee, valid for one calendar year from January 1 to December 31 or until the zone is eliminated.

050 makes it unlawful to park in a zone in violation of posted restrictions without a properly displayed permit on or by the left rear bumper, to sell, rent, or lease a permit for value, or to buy one; a conviction for selling a permit voids all permits issued for that dwelling unit. absent a permit.

Violations & Fines

Parking in a posted preferential zone without a properly displayed permit violates § 12.68.050(A). Selling, renting, or leasing a permit for value is unlawful under § 12.68.050(B) and voids every permit tied to that dwelling unit upon conviction; buying an improperly transferred permit is also unlawful under § 12.68.050(C).

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Newport Beach street become a preferential parking zone?
The City Council must find, under § 12.68.030, that nonresident parking substantially interferes with residents' use of spaces on a regular basis, causes problems like noise or traffic hazards, and that a majority of adjacent residents want the zone; signs must then be posted before the restriction applies, per § 12.68.020.
How many parking permits can one household get?
Section 12.68.040(A) caps any combination of permanent and visitor permits at three per qualified dwelling unit, issued by the Administrative Services Director for a Council-set fee and valid for one calendar year.
Can I sell my leftover visitor parking permit to a neighbor?
No. Section 12.68.050(B) makes it unlawful to sell, rent, or lease a preferential parking permit for value, and a conviction voids every permit issued for that dwelling unit. Buying such a permit is also unlawful under § 12.68.050(C).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Newport Beach

All Newport Beach rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Newport Beach to another location·View the California parking rules overview

Get notified when Preferential Parking Districts in Newport Beach, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

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 Orange County handle preferential parking districts.

Costa Mesa, CA
Some Restrictions
Irvine, CA
Some Restrictions
Santa Ana, CA
Some Restrictions
Fullerton, CA
Significant Restrictions
Huntington Beach, CA
Significant Restrictions
Garden Grove, CA
Significant Restrictions
Orange, CA
Significant Restrictions
Anaheim, CA
Significant Restrictions