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

010 establishes the Neighborhood Permit Parking Program, letting the City Council set boundaries, hours and fees for Permit Parking Areas by resolution, grounded on findings that nonresident parking threatens neighborhood quality of life or that residents lack reasonably available parking with no other practical fix. 020 lays out the process: a property owner submits a written request and fee to the Public Works Traffic Division, which studies parking occupancy; if 75% of available parking is in use during observation times, the City circulates a petition, and if at least three-fourths of property owners in the proposed area sign in favor, the Traffic Engineer forwards it to the Traffic Commission, then the City Council for final approval and sign posting.

Once signs go up, no one may park during restricted hours without a permit visibly affixed. Dwelling units approved after June 1, 2024 get one permit per bedroom up to five, and bedroom-less units get one permit; Chapman University students may receive one annual permit, up to four per dwelling unit, at the Police Chief's discretion. Permits run in three-year cycles administered by the Orange Police Department and can be revoked after a hearing before the Public Works Director for fraud, misrepresentation or chapter violations, with a two-year ineligibility period following revocation. 040(B) and (E). The City Council may terminate an area at its sole discretion or on a 75%-property-owner petition to the City Clerk.