Orange, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- 72-Hour Rule
- Applies citywide
- Fire Hydrant
- 15-foot clearance required
- Old Towne
- Time limits/meters apply
- Code Section
- OMC Title 10
Summary
Street parking in Orange is regulated under OMC Title 10. Vehicles must comply with posted time limits, street sweeping schedules, and the 72-hour rule. Certain areas near Old Towne Plaza and Chapman University have restricted or metered parking.
A peace officer ... may remove a vehicle ... under the following circumstances: ... (n) Whenever a vehicle is parked or left standing where local authorities, by resolution or ordinance, have prohibited parking and have authorized the removal of vehicles. Except as provided in subdivisions (v) and (w), a vehicle shall not be removed unless signs are posted giving notice of the removal. ... (q) If a vehicle is parked for more than 24 hours on a portion of highway that is located within the boundaries of a common interest development ... and signs ... have been posted on that portion of highway providing notice to drivers that vehicles parked thereon for more than 24 hours will be removed at the owner's expense pursuant to a resolution or ordinance adopted by the local authority.
Full Breakdown
Under OMC Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic), street parking throughout Orange is subject to posted time limits, no-parking zones, and the statewide 72-hour maximum for vehicles remaining in one location. The Old Towne Plaza area and streets near Chapman University have time-limited parking, some with meters or permit requirements to manage high demand. Residential neighborhoods may have permit parking programs for streets heavily impacted by university or commercial parking spillover. Vehicles must park in the direction of traffic, within 18 inches of the curb, and not block driveways, fire hydrants (15-foot clearance), or crosswalks. Red curbs indicate no-parking zones; white curbs are passenger loading only; green curbs have short time limits.
Violations & Fines
Parking violations result in citations with fines. Vehicles blocking fire hydrants, driveways, or in red zones may be immediately towed at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there parking meters in Orange?
How far from a fire hydrant must I park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange
California rules heatmap·Compare Orange to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Street Parking Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle street parking limits.