Irvine Street Parking Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsThe Short Version
Irvine enforces parking restrictions on public streets through the Irvine Police Department and community-specific HOA rules. Most Irvine residential streets do not have metered parking, but many neighborhoods enforce posted time limits — commonly 2-hour or 72-hour restrictions. Street sweeping schedules vary by neighborhood and require vehicles to be moved on posted days. As a master-planned city, many Irvine communities have HOA-imposed parking restrictions that are stricter than city code, including overnight street parking bans in some villages.
Full Breakdown
The City of Irvine regulates on-street parking through its Municipal Code, the California Vehicle Code, and — critically for most residents — through community-level HOA rules that often exceed city requirements. Under the California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), no vehicle may remain parked in any single spot on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours. This statewide rule applies to all Irvine public streets regardless of HOA jurisdiction. However, many Irvine neighborhoods have more restrictive posted time limits, commonly 2-hour daytime parking restrictions intended to prevent commuter overflow parking from UC Irvine, Irvine Spectrum, and the numerous office parks throughout the city.
Irvine's origin as a comprehensively master-planned community means that parking was engineered as part of each village's design. Many neighborhoods were built with relatively narrow streets and limited on-street parking by design, with the expectation that residents would use garages and driveways as primary parking. Several major Irvine communities — including Woodbridge, Northwood, Turtle Rock, University Park, Quail Hill, Portola Springs, Stonegate, and Orchard Hills — have HOA rules that prohibit or severely restrict overnight on-street parking. These HOA restrictions are separate from city code and are enforced through the HOA's own fine structure. New residents often discover these restrictions only after receiving an HOA notice.
Street sweeping is conducted on varying schedules throughout the city, and posted signs indicate the specific days and hours when parking is prohibited for sweeping. Vehicles parked in sweeping zones during posted times receive citations. Standard California Vehicle Code parking rules also apply: vehicles may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in front of driveways, in red curb zones, or in any manner that blocks traffic or creates a hazard. Handicap parking enforcement is active in all Irvine public areas.
The Irvine Police Department's Community Services division handles parking complaints and enforcement. Residents can report abandoned vehicles, street parking violations, and parking disputes by calling (949) 724-7000 or submitting a request through the City of Irvine online service portal.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Parking citations in Irvine follow the city's citation schedule and the California Vehicle Code. Standard street parking violations typically carry fines of $58-$73. Fire hydrant violations are $80 or more. Handicap parking violations carry fines of $250-$1,000. The 72-hour limit violation results in a citation and potential towing at the owner's expense. HOA parking violations carry separate fines as specified in each community's CC&Rs, often starting at $50-$100 per occurrence with escalation for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on the street overnight in Irvine?
How long can I park on an Irvine street without moving my car?
Who do I call about a parking problem in my Irvine neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
How does Irvine compare?
See how Irvine's street parking limits rules stack up against other locations.