Los Angeles County, CA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Designation petition threshold
- Two-thirds of dwelling units or businesses
- Standard permit fee
- $2.00 unless Board sets otherwise
- Parking without permit
- $25 infraction
- Permit misuse penalty
- $100 infraction plus towing
- Issuing agency
- Department of Public Works
Summary
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, the Board of Supervisors designates preferential parking districts by ordinance, on petition from two-thirds of a street's dwelling units; Public Works issues the permits, and parking without one is a $25 infraction.
The board of supervisors may, by ordinance, at its discretion or upon receipt of a petition signed by residents or merchants living or working in two-thirds of the dwelling units or businesses comprising not less than 50 percent of the developed frontage of the area proposed for designation, designate a certain area or areas to be a preferential parking district.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 15.64.610 lets the Board of Supervisors create a preferential parking district in the unincorporated area by ordinance, either on its own or after residents or merchants covering two-thirds of dwelling units or businesses (at least 50% of developed street frontage) petition for one. The Department of Public Works then issues permits under § 15.64.620 to residents, merchants, merchant employees, and guests, and posts signs marking the restricted hours under § 15.64.630. The standard permit fee is $2.00 unless the Board sets a different amount by order (§ 15.64.680). Parking without a displayed permit inside a posted district is an infraction punishable by a $25 fine under § 15.64.700.
Violations & Fines
Parking without a displayed permit in a posted district is a $25 infraction; transferring, forging, or displaying a cancelled permit is a $100 infraction plus towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a preferential parking permit guarantee a parking spot?
How is a preferential parking district created in unincorporated LA County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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