Santa Maria, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Citation
- Title 7, Chapter 7-5 (Stopping, Standing and Parking)
- Time Limit
- 72 consecutive hours
- Reset Radius
- Must move beyond 75-foot circle from chalk mark
- Where Applies
- Streets, alleys, City lots, parks, parking structures
- State Tow Authority
- CA Vehicle Code 22651(k)
- Report Violations
- (805) 928-3781 ext. 2956
Summary
Santa Maria Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 7-5 prohibits parking any vehicle in one location on any street, alley, or City-owned property (including City parks and parking structures) for more than 72 consecutive hours. Vehicles exceeding the limit may be impounded under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k).
No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle shall park such vehicle in one location on any street or alley, or City owned property, including City parks and parking structures, within corporate limits of the City for more than a consecutive period of 72 hours. For the purpose of this section "that location" means the area, to the extent that it is on a public street or alley, described by a circle with a radius of 75 feet, with its center being a chalk marking placed on a tire of the vehicle by an authorized representative of the City. In the event a vehicle is parked or left standing upon any street or alley in excess of a consecutive period of 72 hours, any member of the Police Department authorized by the Chief of Police or any City Ranger authorized by the Director of Recreation and Parks may remove such vehicle from such street or alley or City-owned property.
Full Breakdown
Santa Maria's principal on-street parking rule is the 72-hour limit codified in Title 7 (Traffic Regulations), Chapter 7-5 (Stopping, Standing and Parking). The Code states that no person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle shall park such vehicle in one location on any street or alley, or City-owned property (including City parks and parking structures), within the corporate limits of the City for more than a consecutive period of 72 hours. "That location" is defined by reference to a chalk-mark placed on the tire of the vehicle by an authorized City representative: the area is described by a circle with a radius of 75 feet, with its center being the chalk marking.
In other words, the 72-hour clock does not reset simply by rolling the vehicle a few feet - it must be moved beyond a 75-foot radius. When the limit is exceeded, any Police Department member authorized by the Chief of Police or any City Ranger authorized by the Director of Recreation and Parks may remove the vehicle. Code Enforcement directs residents to report long-term street parkers to the Santa Maria Police Department abandoned-vehicle hotline at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2956. 02).
Violations & Fines
Vehicles parked over 72 hours may be cited and impounded. Tow authority is provided by California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), which permits any peace officer to tow a vehicle parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance. Owners pay towing fees, daily storage fees, and the citation fine, plus an administrative release fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my car parked on a Santa Maria street while I'm out of town?
Does moving my car a few feet reset the 72-hour clock in Santa Maria?
How do I report a vehicle that's been parked too long on my street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Maria to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.