Santa Ana weighs parking permit changes as residents seek relief

Santa Ana residents and city officials are debating changes to the city’s residential parking permit system as condo and apartment residents say they struggle to find legal parking near home, Voice of OC reported.

The debate matters across Orange County because Santa Ana’s decades-old permit system affects dense neighborhoods where residents say parking access can depend on housing type.

Voice of OC reported that the city’s residential parking program dates to the early 1990s and allows residents outside permit blocks to petition for a new district with support from 51% of residents in the area.

At a July 7 meeting, Resident Angela Capoccia said the current rules leave some condo owners without nearby legal parking. "When I purchased my condo, I was able to park near my home. Today, because permit eligibility is only for single family homeowners and people who live in condos with less than four units. I cannot legally park anywhere near my home," Capoccia said.

Capoccia also said, "Whether intended or not, single-family homeowners’ interests are being prioritized, while condo owners are asked to wait indefinitely. I have to choose between receiving a citation, walking nearly a mile after dark or putting my car at a business and risk being towed."

City officials said a comprehensive review of the parking program had been discussed in 2021 and formally began in March 2023, Voice of OC reported. City Manager Alvaro Nuñez said, "We’re aware that this is a study that has been requested for many many years so we just put it as part of our checkup list,"

Councilman David Penaloza pressed for clarity on the timeline. "We still have not seen the results of this parking study or an update," Penaloza said. He added, "I think it’s important that we just get an appropriate timeline from Public Works on when we could get this parking permit study, whatever it is. If it’s not happening anymore, then just tell us."

The council also voted unanimously to expand the Marbury Park Permit Parking District east to Tustin Ave between 4th and 17th street after residents in the adjacent area supported joining by 70%, according to Voice of OC. Capoccia criticized that move, saying, "This is not the action of a city council that is looking to overhaul an inequitable system,"

City spokesman Paul Eakins said the parking study results will be presented to the City Council on Oct. 6, according to Voice of OC.