San Jose, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- SJMC Chapter 11.48
- Named permit areas
- 20+ named neighborhoods citywide
- Permit types
- Residential, guest, employee, special-use
- Residential permit cap
- Up to 3 per home (some areas)
- Special-use permit max term
- 90 consecutive days
Summary
San Jose designates permit parking areas neighborhood by neighborhood, Cadillac, Berryessa flea market, College Park, Horace Mann and more, where parking without a displayed, valid permit is prohibited during posted days and hours.
Except as otherwise specified in this chapter, no person shall park a vehicle on any street or any portion of any street within a permit area on the days and during the times determined by the director unless such vehicle has a properly displayed and valid parking permit issued pursuant to this chapter.B.The director may, in lieu of collecting a fine for a citation issued for a residential permit violation, charge an administrative fee to process cancellation of a citation in any case where the individual who received the citation can show proof that he or she had been issued a valid residential permit at the time the citation was received. The amount of the administrative fee shall be set forth in the schedule of fees established by resolution of the City Council. (Ords. 25003, 28905.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 11.48 creates more than 20 named permit parking areas, Cadillac, Lynhaven, Via Monte, West Berryessa, Eden, Berryessa flea market, Civic Center, Market-Almaden, University, Horace Mann, South University, College Park, Santana Area, Cahill Park, Delmas Park, Sherman Oaks and Century-Winchester among them, plus a separate San Jose State University permit area under Chapter 11.49. Once the director posts signs, parking on a listed street without a properly displayed permit is unlawful (SJMC section 11.48.300). The director issues residential, guest, employee and special-use permits on application (SJMC section 11.48.500 et seq.), with per-residence caps that vary by district.
Violations & Fines
Parking without a displayed, valid permit on a signed permit-area street violates SJMC section 11.48.300 and draws a parking citation; the city can substitute an administrative processing fee for the fine if you actually held a valid permit at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a residential parking permit in San Jose?
Where are San Jose's permit parking areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Preferential Parking Districts in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle preferential parking districts.