Santa Ana Street Parking Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

The City of Santa Ana enforces on-street parking regulations under Chapter 30 (Traffic and Vehicles) of the Municipal Code, supplemented by the California Vehicle Code. All vehicles parked on public streets must be moved at least once every 72 consecutive hours. Vehicles remaining in the same location beyond 72 hours may be marked, cited, and towed as abandoned vehicles under California Vehicle Code Section 22669. In a city as densely populated as Santa Ana — with over 310,000 residents in just 27 square miles — parking is at a premium, and the 72-hour rule is actively enforced through both patrol and resident complaints.

Street sweeping is a critical component of Santa Ana's parking enforcement program. The city operates mechanical street sweepers on a regular schedule throughout all residential and commercial areas. Posted signs on affected streets indicate the specific days and time windows during which parking is prohibited for sweeping. Vehicles parked in violation of posted street sweeping signs receive citations. Residents should carefully check the signs on their specific block, as schedules and restricted hours vary significantly by neighborhood. Street sweeping citations are among the most commonly issued parking violations in Santa Ana.

Santa Ana operates residential permit parking (RPP) zones in several neighborhoods near the downtown core, civic center, and other high-demand areas. Within posted RPP zones, vehicles without a valid residential parking permit may be restricted from parking during specified hours, typically during daytime business hours on weekdays. Residents within the zone may purchase annual permits from the city. Standard California Vehicle Code prohibitions also apply citywide: no parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in red-curb zones, on sidewalks, in crosswalks, within intersections, or blocking driveways. Double parking is prohibited at all times.

Parking enforcement in Santa Ana is handled by the Santa Ana Police Department's Parking Enforcement unit. Residents can report abandoned vehicles and parking violations by calling (714) 245-8200.