Section 3. The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan shall be available for public review in the Department of Public Works during the City’s normal business hours no later than 30 days after filing a copy of the plan with the department.
Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of June, 2026 by the following called vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
_______________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
I, Adria M. Vicuna, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Buena Park, California, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Buena Park, held this _____ day of ________________ _____.
______________________________________
City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING THE 2025 WATER
SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR THE CITY OF BUENA
PARK
WHEREAS, Sections 10610 through 10657 of the California Water Code, known as the Urban Water Management Planning Act, require that every urban water supplier providing water for municipal purposes either directly or indirectly to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually, prepare an Urban Water Management Plan (“UWMP”) at least once every five years; and
WHEREAS, these plans support suppliers’ long- term resource planning to ensure that adequate water supplies are available to meet existing and future water needs; and
WHEREAS, each UWMP must be adopted by the supplier’s governing body and submitted to the California Department of Water Resources; and
WHEREAS, the City of Buena P ark is an urban water supplier subject to this requirement; and
WHEREAS, on June 22, 2021, by Resolution No. 14,350 the City Council adopted the City’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP); and
WHEREAS, the City has prepared the 2025 WSCP as an update to the 2020 WSCP on the City’s strategies to mitigate water shortage conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City’s 2025 UWMP contains all elements to satisfy compliance with the Urban Water Management Planning Act as amended since 2020; and
WHEREAS, the City’s 2025 UWMP contains a WSCP, a detailed proposal for how a supplier intends to act in the case of an actual water shortage condition, as required by Water Code Section 10632; and
WHEREAS, the WSCP must be treated as a standalone plan for public hearing and adoption procedures; and
WHEREAS, the City has given the legally required notices for the 2025 WSCP and conducted a public hearing on June 9, 2026 to consider the approval of the 2025 WSCP; and
WHEREAS, the City gave the legally required notices for the 2025 UWMP and conducted a public hearing on June 9, 2026 to consider the approval of the 2025 UWMP.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
RESOLUTION NO. _______
Section 1. The 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan, in the form submitted herewith this resolution and on file with the Department of Public Works, is hereby adopted and approved.
Section 2. The City Public Works Director or his or her designee is directed to file a copy of the City’s 2025 WSCP with the California Department of Water Resources, the California State Library, and any city or county within which the City provides water supplies within 30 days but no later than July 1, 2026.
Section 3. The 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan shall be available for public review in the Department of Public Works during the City’s normal business hours no later than 30 days after filing a copy of the plan with the department.
Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of June, 2026 by the following called vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
_______________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
I, Adria M. Vicuna, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Buena Park, California, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Buena Park, held this _____ day of ________________ _____.
______________________________________
City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. ______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 13.28 (WATER CONSERVATION AND
WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE PROGRAM) OF THE BUENA
PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO ENACT WATER CONSERVATION
AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY RULES AND
REGULATIONS, AND MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS OF
EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
WHEREAS, Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution and Section 100 of the California Water Code declare that, because of conditions prevailing in the State of California (the “State”), the State’s policy is that the general welfare requires putting the State’s water resources to beneficial use to the fullest extent of which the water resources are capable, preventing the waste or unreasonable use of water, and exercising water conservation with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use of water in the interest of the people and the public welfare;
WHEREAS, Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution declares that a city may make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws;
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Water Code Section 375, after holding a public hearing, any public entity that supplies water for the benefit of persons within its service area may, by ordinance or resolution, after a public hearing upon notice and making specified findings of necessity, adopt and enforce a water conservation program to reduce the quantity of water uses by those persons for the purpose of conserving the water supplies of the public entity;
WHEREAS, the City of Buena Park (“City”) is a public entity that supplies water service within its service area, and on June 9, 2026, the City Council for the City held a noticed public hearing pursuant to Water Code Section 375 to receive public comments regarding this ordinance and the Water Shortage Contingency Plan adopted contemporaneously herewith;
WHEREAS, based on all evidence presented to and considered by the City Council during the public hearing, the City Council finds and determines that because of prevailing water supply conditions within the State of California, and the declared policy of the State, it is necessary and appropriate for the City to adopt, implement, and enforce, by way of this ordinance, water conservation rules and regulations and response actions that reduce water consumption through conservation and efficiency so as to ensure and maximize the reasonable, efficient, and beneficial use of the City’s water supply; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines it is necessary and appropriate for the City to implement and enforce, by way of this ordinance, water shortage contingency rules and regulations during periods of water shortages and emergencies to ensure tha t there is sufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, fire protection, and/or similar uses benefiting the common good and public.
ORDINANCE NO.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Based on all evidence presented to and considered by the City Council during the public hearing concerning this ordinance, the City Council hereby finds and determines that findings set forth in Section 13.28.020 of Chapter 13.28 hereinbelow are true, corr ect, and incorporated as a substantive part of this ordinance.
Section 2: Chapter 13.28 ( WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE PROGRAM) of the Buena Park Municipal Code is hereby entirely deleted and replaced with the following:
CHAPTER 13.28
WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE PROGRAM
§ 13.28.010. Title.
This chapter will be known as the City of Buena Park Water Conservation and Water Supply Shortage Program.
§ 13.28.020. Findings.
A. A reliable minimum supply of potable water is essential to the public health, safety and welfare of the people and economy of the southern California region.
B. Southern California is a semi -arid region and is largely dependent upon imported water supplies. A growing population and economy, variable climate conditions, and increasing environmental concerns, among other concerns, make the region highly susceptible to water supply reliability issues.
C. Careful water management that includes active water conservation measures not only in times of drought, but at all times, is essential to ensure a reliable minimum supply of water to meet current and future water supply needs.
D. Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution declares that a city or county may make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws.
E. Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution declares that the general welfare requires that water resources be put to beneficial use, waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and conservation of water be fully exercised with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof.
F. Consistent with California Water Code Section 375 , the city, as public agency that provides water service, has adopted a comprehensive water conservation program to reduce water consumption and conserve supplies, as the same may be amended from time to time.
ORDINANCE NO.
G. Consistent with California Water Code Section 10632, the city, as an urban water supplier, has prepared and adopted a Water Shortage Contingency Plan that describes how the City will respond to future water shortages and lists the various actions the City would take to reduce water demand under different water shortage scenarios.
H. California Water Code Sections 350 et seq., authorizes the city council for the city, as a distributor of a public water supply, after holding a properly noticed public hearing and after making certain findings, to declare a water shortage (emergency) and to adopt such regulations and restrictions to conserve the water supply for the greatest public benefit with particular regard for domestic use, sanitation, and fire protection.
I. The adoption and enforcement of a water conservation and supply shortage program is necessary to manage the city's potable water supply in the short and long -term and to avoid or minimize the effects of drought and shortage within the city. Such program is essential to ensure a reliable and sustainable minimum supply of water for the public health, safety and welfare.
§ 13.28.030. Declaration of purpose and intent.
A. This chapter establish es a water conservation , efficiency, and supply shortage program that will reduce water consumption within the city through conservation, enable effective water supply planning, assure reasonable and beneficial use of water, prevent waste of water, and maximize the efficient use of water within the city to avoid and minimize the effect and hardship of water shortage to the greatest extent possible.
B. This chapter establishes permanent water conservation and efficiency standards intended to alter behavior related to water use efficiency for non-shortage conditions and further establishes three phases of water supply shortage response actions to be implemented during times of declared water shortage or declared water shortage emergency, with increasing restrictions on water use in response to worsening drought or emergency conditions and decreasing supplies.
§ 13.28.040. Definitions.
The following words and phrases whenever used in this chapter have the meaning defined in this section:
"Billing unit" means the unit of water used to apply water rates for purposes of calculating water charges for a person’s water usage and equals one thousand gallons of water.
"City" means the city of Buena Park.
“City council” means the City Council for the city.
“City clerk” means the City Clerk for the city.
“City manager” means the City Manager for the city.
ORDINANCE NO.
"Landscape irrigation system" means an irrigation system with pipes, hoses, spray heads, or sprinkling devices that are operated by hand or through an automated system.
"Large landscape areas" means a lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area, or combination thereof, equal to more than one acre of irrigable land.
"Person" means any natural person or persons, corporation, public or private entity, governmental agency or institution, or any other user of water provided by the city , and includes but is not limited to customers of the water system.
"Potable water" means water which is suitable for drinking.
"Recycled water" means the reclamation and reuse of non -potable water for beneficial use.
"Single pass cooling systems" means equipment where water is circulated only once to cool equipment before being disposed.
“Water code” means the California Water Code.
“Water shortage” means circumstances where the city’s current or anticipated water supply cannot or will not meet water customers’ ordinary demands or requirements without depleting the city’s baseline water supply.
“Water shortage emergency” means circumstances where the city’s current or anticipated water supply cannot or will not meet water customers’ ordinary demands or requirements without resulting in there being insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, and/or fire protection.
“Water Shortage Contingency Plan ” means the Water Shortage Contingency Plan prepared and approved by resolution of the city council pursuant to Water Code Section 10632, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
“Water system” means the system of pipes, wells, and associated appurtenances and water rights owned by the city for the purpose of providing water service to persons within the service area.
§ 13.28.050. Application.
A. The provisions of this chapter apply to any person in the use of any potable water provided by the city water system.
B. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to uses of water necessary to protect public health and safety or for essential government services, such as police, fire and other similar emergency services.
C. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the use of recycled water, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.
ORDINANCE NO.
D. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the use of water by commercial nurseries and commercial growers to sustain plants, trees, shrubs, crops or othe r vegetation intended for commercial sale.
E. This chapter is intended solely to further the conservation and efficient uses of water.
It is not intended to implement any provision of federal, state, or local statutes, ordinances, or regulations relating to protection of water quality or control of drainage or runoff. Refer to the local jurisdiction or Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any stormwater ordinances and stormwater management plans.
§ 13.28.060. Permanent water conservation requirements —Prohibition against waste.
The following water conservation requirements are effective at all times and are permanent. Violations of this section will be considered waste and an unreasonable use of water.
A. Prohibition on Waste. No person shall commit waste of any water from the city’s water system. For purposes of the foregoing, “waste” shall mean and include the use of water for any purpose or in any manner that violates the requirements of this chapter, any conservation requirement or remedial action under authority of this chapter, or as the waste of water is otherwise defined by the Water Code.
B. Limits on Watering Hours. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water is prohibited between the hours of nine a.m. and six p.m. Pacific Standard Time on any day, except by use of a hand -held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut- off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
C. Limit on Watering Duration. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with potable water using a landscape irrigation system or a watering device that is not continuously attended is limited to no more than fifteen minutes watering per day per station. This subsection does not apply to landscape irrigation systems that exclusively use very low -flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than two gallons of water per hour and weather based controllers or stream rotor sprinklers that meet a seventy percent efficiency standard.
D. No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff. Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape or other vegetated area in a manner that causes excessive water flow or runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
E. No Watering Median Turf. Watering or irrigating ornamental turf within public street medians is prohibited.
F. No Watering After Rain. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area is prohibited within 48 hours after measurable precipitation is experienced on the property.
ORDINANCE NO.
G. No Washing Down Hard or Paved Surfaces. Washing down hard or paved surfaces, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a n automatic shut-off device, or a low-volume high- pressure cleaning machine that recycles used water.
H. Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions. Excessive use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks or other malfunctions in the water user's plumbing or distribution system for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected and in no event more than five days of receiving notice form the city, is prohibited.
I. Recirculating Water Required for Water Fountains and Decorative Water Features.
Operating a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use recirculated water is prohibited unless a waiver has been obtained.
J. Limits on Washing Vehicles. Using water to wash or clean a vehicle, including, but not limited to, any automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or trailer, whether motorized or not is prohibited, except by use of a hand -held bucket or similar container or a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle or device.
This subsection does not apply to any commercial car washing facility.
K. Drinking Water Served Upon Request Only. Eating or drinking establishments, including, but not limited to, a restaurant, hotel, café, cafeteria, bar, club or other public place where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking water to any person unless expressly requested.
L. Commercial Lodging Establishments Must Provide Option to Not Launder Linen Daily. Hotels, motels and other commercial lodging establishments must provide customers the option of not having towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial lodging establishments must prominently display notice of this option in each bathroom using clear and easily understood language.
M. No Installation of Single Pass Cooling Systems. Installation of single pass cooling systems is prohibited in buildings requesting new water service.
N. No Installation of Nonrecirculating in Commercial Car Wash and Laundry Systems.
Installation of nonrecirculating water systems is prohibited in new commercial conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry systems.
O. Restaurants Required to Use Water Conserving Dish Wash Spray Valves. Food preparation establishments, such as restaurants or cafés, are prohibited from using non-water conserving dish wash spray valves.
P. Commercial Car Wash Systems. Effective on January 1, 2011, all new commercial conveyor car wash systems must have installed operational recirculating water systems, or must have secured a waiver of this requirement from the city.
Q. Unauthorized Use of Hydrants. The use of any fire hydrant without the authorization of the city is prohibited.
ORDINANCE NO.
§ 13.28.070. Declaration of water shortages.
A. Water Shortage Contingency Plan Governs. All findings and determinations made by the city manager or city council pursuant to this section, and the water conservation measures or remedial actions taken in response to a water shortage, are governed by the standards and criteria described in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
B. Declaration of Water Shortage . If at any time the city manager determines that current or anticipated water supply cannot or will not meet ordinary demands or requirements of water system customers without depleting the city’s baseline water supply, but the shortage is not sufficiently severe so as to be a water shortage emergency, then the city manager will report such facts and circumstances to the city council during an open and public meeting. The city council will consider the city manager’s report and may, by resolution, declare a water shortage and indicate the applicable water shortage level.
C. Adjustment of Level During Declared Shortage. If, during the existence of a declared water shortage, the city manager determines that current or anticipated changes to the water supply will improve or increase the severity of the water shortage, then the City Manager may implement a corresponding increase or decrease to the water shortage level. The city manager will report any changes made to the water shortage level to the city council during the next available public meeting, and the city council may, but is not obligated to, adopt a resolution affirming, modifying, or rescinding the water shortage level determination made by the city manager. The city manager’s determination of the water shortage level will remain in effect absent action by the city council.
D. Termination of Water Shortage Declaration. If, during the existence of a declared water shortage, the city manager determines that conditions associated with the current or anticipated water supply improve such that a water shortage no long er exists, then the city manager will report such facts and circumstances to the city council during an open and public meeting. The city council will consider the city manager’s report and may, by resolution, terminate the water shortage declaration.
E. Conservation Requirements During Declared Water Shortage. After and during the existence of a declared water shortage, the water conservation requirements and response actions that are applicable to the shortage level, as such water conservations requirements and response actions are detailed in the water shortage conservation plan, will take effect on the tenth day after the date on which the shortage level is declared . Notwithstanding the foregoing, i n the event city implements water allocation as a short age response action, the allocation will be effective on the fifth day following mailed notice to impacted customers.
ORDINANCE NO.
F. Notice of Shortages. Within five days of the city council declaration of a water shortage, the city clerk will publish a copy of the resolution in a newspaper used for the publication of official notices. In the event city implements water allocation as a shortage response action, the city will mail a notice to impacted customers by regular billing statement or any other mailing to the address to which the city customarily mails the billing statement for water fees or charges. The city will notify relevant stakeholders, local, regional and state governments, and other interested parties of the effective date of the water shortage declaration, the shortage level, and any applicable conservation requirements or response actions that are associated with the shortage level declared.
§ 13.28.080. Emergency and Catastrophic Water Shortages.
A. Declaration of Water Shortage Emergency. If, at any time, the city manager determines that the ordinary demands and requirements of water system consumers cannot be satisfied without depleting the city’s water supply to such an extent that there would be insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, and/or fire protection, then the city manager will, in compliance with Water Code section 350 et seq., schedule and notice a public hearing for purposes of reporting such facts and circumstances for consideration by the city council at a public meeting. Notice of the public hearing will be in a newspaper at least ten days before the scheduled hearing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a noticed public hearing shall not be required in the event of a wildfire, a deenergization event, or a breakage or failure of a dam, pump, pipeline, or conduit causing an immediate emergency. The city council will consider the city manager’s report and any evidence or protests offered at the hearing, may, by resolution, make the required findings and declare a water shortage emergency.
B. Conservation Requirements and Response Actions During Emergency. After and during the existence of a declared water emergency, the mandatory conservation requirements and response actions applicable to the level of the water shortage emergency, as detailed in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, will take effect on the date the shortage level is declared. In the event city implements water allocation as a shortage response action, the allocation will be effective on the fifth day following a mailed notice to impacted customers.
C. Additional Response Actions. In addition to the generally prohibited uses of water set forth in this chapter, and any applicable water conservation measures or response actions detailed in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, the city may take and implement additional water conservation measures or response actions during a water shortage emergency including, without limitation: reducing water allocations in all categories to meet the available water supply; shutting off all non -essential water uses; and other prohibited water uses as reasonably determined by the city to be necessary and appropriate under the circumstances presented.
D. Termination of Water Shortage Emergency. If at any time during the existence of a declared water emergency, the city manager determines that conditions associated with the emergency no longer exist, then the city manager will report such facts and circumstances to the city council during an open and public meeting. The city council will consider the city manager’s report and may, by resolution, terminate the water shortage emergency.
ORDINANCE NO.
E. Notice of Water Supply Shortage Emergency. Within five days of the city council declaration of a water shortage emergency, the city clerk will publish a copy of the resolution in a newspaper used for the publication of official notices. If the city establishes a water allocation, the city will provide notice of the allocation as soon as is practical under the catastrophic or emergency circumstances presented by including it in the regular billing statement or by any other mailing to the address to which the city customarily mails the billing statement for fees or charges for ongoing water service.
§ 13.28.090. City Manager authority.
If, at any time, the city manager determines that sudden events, facts, or circumstances have, or imminently threaten to, significantly diminish the reliability or quality of the city’s water supply, the city manager may declare a catastrophic water shortage and implement or impose such emergency water allocations or water shortage response actions as may be reasonably necessary. The city manager will present such declaration and supporting facts and circumstances to the city council at the next available public meeting. The city council will consider the city manager’s report and may, by resolution, affirm or rescind the declaration. The city manager’s determination will remain in effect unless and until there is action by the city council.
§ 13.28.100. Other provisions.
A. Limits on Building Permits. During the existence of a water shortage or water shortage emergency, the city may limit or withhold the issuance of building permits which require new or expanded water service, except to protect the public health, safety and welfare, or in cases which meet the city's adopted conservation offset requirements.
B. Customer Water Conservation Reports. The city may, by written request, require all commercial, residential and industrial customers using ten thousand or more billing units per year to submit a water conservation plan and to submit quarterly progress reports on such plan. The conservation plan must include recommendations for increased water savings, separation of uses including increased water recycling based on feasibility, and the reports must include progress to date on implementation of such recommendations.
C. Reporting Mechanism—Hotline. The city may establish a water waste hotline for residents to report violations of this chapter.
§ 13.28.110. Hardship waiver.
A. Undue and Disproportionate Hardship. If, due to unique circumstances, a specific requirement of this chapter would result in undue hardship to a person using water or to property upon which water is used, that is disproportionate to the impacts to water users generally or to similar property of classes of water users, then the person may apply for a waiver to the requirements as provided in this section.
ORDINANCE NO.
B. Written Finding. The waiver may be granted or conditionally granted only upon a written finding of the existence of facts demonstrating an undue hardship to a person using water or to property upon which water is used, that is disproportionate to the impacts to water users generally or to similar property or classes of water use due to specific and unique circumstances of the user or the user's property.
1. Application. Application for a waiver must be on a form prescribed by the city and accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee in an amount set by city council resolution.
2. Supporting Documentation. The application must be accompanied by photographs, maps, drawings, and other information, including a written statement of the applicant.
3. Required Findings for Waiver. An application for a waiver will be denied unless the city manager finds, based on the information provided in the application supporting documents, or such additional information as may be requested, and on water use information for the property as shown by the records of the city or its agent, all of the following:
i. That the waiver does not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other residents and businesses;
ii. That because of special circumstances applicable to the property or its use, the strict application of this chapter would have a disproportionate impact on the property of use that exceeds the impacts to residents and businesses generally;
iii. That the authorizing of such waiver will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent properties, and will not materially affect the ability of the city to effectuate the purpose of this chapter and will not be detrimental to the public interest; and
iv. That the condition or situation of the subject property or the intended use of the property for which the waiver is sought is not common, recurrent or general in nature.
4. Approval Authority. The city manager or designee must act upon any completed application no later than ten days after submittal and may approve, conditionally approve, or deny the waiver. The applicant requesting the waiver must be promptly notified in writing of any action taken. Unless specified otherwise at the time a waiver is approved, the waiver will apply to the subject property during the period of the mandatory water supply shortage condition.
The decision of the city manager will be final.
ORDINANCE NO.
§ 13.28.120. Penalties and violations.
A. Misdemeanor. Any violation of this chapter may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than thirty days, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by both.
B. Civil Penalties. Civil penalties for failure to comply with any provisions of the chapter shall be as set forth in the city’s fee schedule for this chapter, as may be adopted by resolution of the city council from time to time, or if no such schedule has been adopted as follows:
1. First Violation. The city will issue a written warning and deliver a copy of this chapter by mail.
2. Second Violation. A second violation within the preceding twelve calendar months is punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars.
3. Third Violation. A third violation within the preceding twelve calendar months is punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars.
4. Fourth and Subsequent Violations. A fourth and any subsequent violation is punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars.
C. Termination of Service. In addition to other remedies herein, the city may disconnect and/or terminate a customer's water service. A person or entity that violates this chapter resulting in service disconnection is responsible for payment of the city's charges for disconnecting and/or reconnecting service per the city's schedule of charges then in effect. Nonpayment will be subject to the same remedies as nonpayment of basic water rates.
C. Separate Offenses. Each day that a violation of this chapter occurs is a separate offense.
D. Notice and Hearing:
1. The city will issue a notice of violation by mail or personal delivery at least ten days before taking noncriminal enforcement action as authorized herein. Such notice must describe the violation and the date by which corrective action must be taken. A violator may appeal the notice of violation by filing a written notice of appeal with the city clerk no later than the close of business on the day before the date scheduled for enforcement action. Any notice of violation not timely appealed will be final. Upon receipt of a timely appeal, a hearing before the director of public works, or designee, on the appeal will be scheduled, and the city will mail written notice of the hearing date to the violator at least ten days before the date of the hearing.
2. Pending receipt of a written appeal or pending a hearing pursuant to an appeal, the city may take appropriate steps to prevent the unauthorized use of water as appropriate to the nature and extent of the violations and the current declared water phase condition.
ORDINANCE NO.
F. A violation of this chapter shall constitute a nuisance and may be abated by the city through civil process by means of restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or in any other manner provided by law for the abatement of such nuisances.
Section 3: This ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to California Water Code section 10652 which states that CEQA does not apply to the preparation, adoption, or implementation of Water Shortage Contingency Plans or water management plans.
Section 4: Severability. The City Council declares that, should any provision, section; paragraph, sentence or word of this ordinance be rendered or declared invalid by any final court action in a court of competent jurisdiction, or by reason of any preemptive legislation, the remaining provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences, and words of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its passage and adoption pursuant to California Government Code section 36937.
Section 6: The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of June, 2026, by the following called vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
I, Adria M. Vicuña, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Buena Park, California, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Buena Park, held this 9th day of June 2026.
_______________________________
City Clerk
June 9, 2026
STUDY SESSION
Item No. 9A.
City Council Agenda Report
VISIT BUENA PARK UPDATE
PREPARED BY PRESENTED BY
Sara Copping, Visit Buena Park Sara Copping, Visit Buena Park
DEPARTMENT HEAD APPROVAL CITY MANAGER APPROVAL
Eddie Fenton, Assistant City Manager/Human
Resources Director Aaron France, City Manager
DISCUSSION
Visit Buena Park, the City’s tourism marketing division, saw a steady start to the year, with transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenues increasing 1.5% in January and 5.9% in February, and holding steady in March. While overall hotel supply was reduced by 11.2% due to recent property closures, performance indicators remained stable. Occupancy rose consistently from 64% in January to 70% in February and 76% in March.
Through targeted marketing, media coverage, and digital outreach, Visit Buena Park is reaching high-intent travelers, driving overnight stays, and delivering strong returns for the City. From January through April, these efforts generated more than 414K visits to VisitBuenaPark.com.
Visit Buena Park’s strategic public relations initiatives played a central role in achieving these results. From January - April, staff hosted 11 travel influencers, resulting in media coverage reaching over 5.28M readers, viewers, and digital consumers. Content development and proactive media pitching generated over 26.8M impressions.
In January, advertising placements appeared in major travel publications including the Anaheim Travel Guide (250k+ circulation) and the Visit California Travel Guide (500k+ circulation). In May, Buena Park received national recognition with a two-page spread in Parade Magazine’s “America’s Favorite Small Towns” issue, highlighting 40 finalist destinations from across the country. Buena Park was one of only three California cities nominated, alongside Lodi and Crescent City. The special issue had a national distribution of 100,000 copies and was sent to major magazine retailers, including supermarkets, mass merchants, and bookstores.
Visit Buena Park received significant broadcast and media exposure in 2026 to date, reaching millions of potential visitors across key markets. Travel expert Emily Kaufman, “The Travel Mom,” highlighted Buena Park in segments airing in Houston, Denver, and Portland, reaching an audience of 335K+ viewers. “Best of California with Pat Pattison” featured Buena Park twice — once in a “Hidden Gems in California” segment and again in “Home Sweet Home in California”—each delivering an audience of about 10 million viewers across Los Angeles/Orange County and Palm Springs markets. The Jo Clark Podcast showcased a “Foodie Trail in Orange County,” reaching approximately 2 million listeners across streaming platforms. Additional coverage included a feature on KING 5 during an Olympic special, generating 2.19 million impressions, 665K views, and 177K engagements. Buena Park was also highlighted in AAA’s podcast and video series focused on must-visit Orange County destinations, generating 605 listens and more than 334K video views. Seattle Refined on KOMO ABC 4 highlighted summer fun in Buena Park, generating 100K impressions and approximately 20K viewers. In San Diego, The Localist on Fox 5 delivered 154K viewers with a segment focused on “The Ultimate Playcation—Everyone Plays Their Way in Buena Park, CA.” Chicago Live on WGN9 brought in 54K views, positioning Buena Park as an unexpected Southern California getaway filled with immersive experiences. Your California Life on ABC 10 reached 20K viewers with a feature on the destination, while Sacramento’s CBS 13 delivered a combined reach of 87,292 through a “Pro Tips on Southern California: Buena Park” segment.
Paid social media platforms continue to serve as a primary driver of traffic to Visit Buena Park’s website, accounting for over 56% of total sessions. Meta (Facebook and Instagram) alone generated more than 511K ThruPlays, reflecting strong video engagement and audience retention. Meta even recognized Visit Buena Park’s efforts with two badges—Original Creator and Emerging Talent. Our integrated content strategy across YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, and Meta continues to strengthen brand visibility and reinforce traveler intent throughout the visitor journey.
Building on this momentum, Buena Park recently launched a “Home Game” baseball-focused social media campaign targeting key feeder markets in January. The campaign is designed to reach travel baseball enthusiasts, the second most likely sports audience to travel for games after football. Through April, it has generated over 464K impressions, 20K clicks, and 17K engagements, while maintaining a highly efficient $0.24 cost per click on a total ad spend of $4K.
Digital advertising continues to play a key role in driving interest in Buena Park, accounting for roughly 30% of total website traffic through campaigns across Google platforms and cooperative partnerships with Visit California, including placements on networks like Expedia. Notably, the Expedia campaign delivered the strongest return, generating more than $10.1 million in hotel revenue from January through April. In addition to these core efforts, Visit Buena Park is also participating in a regional Expedia FIFA World Cup cooperative campaign with Los Angeles and Orange County, which will run through mid-June and is targeting soccer enthusiasts and high-intent travelers.
We are also currently testing new generative response ads designed to create more interactive and personalized engagement with potential visitors, further enhancing how we connect with and convert travel audiences.
Visit Buena Park continues to expand its digital reach through connected TV (CTV) platforms, including Hulu and Disney+, with evergreen “Land of Yes” video campaigns strategically targeted to high-intent travel audiences.
These campaigns are continuously tested and optimized for performance, incorporating KERV’s embedded QR code technology to drive engagement and track response. The campaign has generated more than 750K video views with a strong 99% video completion rate, and it will continue running through June 2026.
Visit Buena Park staff remained actively engaged in key travel trade and industry events in 2026 to build valuable partnerships. This included a virtual presentation at the Visit California Japan Seminar in Osaka with 86 attendees, as well as a virtual Visit California Canada event that connected with more than 60 travel trade professionals. Staff also participated in the Go West Summit in Las Vegas, conducting over 36 one-on-one appointments with qualified buyers. In addition, a travel trade training contest launched for the month of February generated strong engagement, with more than 350 tour operators, agents, and meeting planners completing the Buena Park training module. Staff also introduced a new conference this year - Small Market Meetings which focuses on attracting smaller-scale meetings and events that can be accommodated within six of the city’s hotel properties.
June 9, 2026
STUDY SESSION
Item No. 9B.
City Council Agenda Report
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING EXISTING PARKING CONDITIONS AND STRATEGIES TOINCREASE PARKING CAPACITY RELATED TO THE EXPANSION OF PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICTS(PPDS)
PREPARED BY PRESENTED BY
Norm Wray, Senior Engineering Technician Norm Wray, Senior Engineering Technician
DEPARTMENT HEAD APPROVAL CITY MANAGER APPROVAL
Mina Mikhael, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Aaron France, City Manager
Two City Council Members calendared separate agenda items related to public on-street parking within the City.
Council Member Sonne requested a review of potential strategies to increase public parking availability in residential neighborhoods impacted by the addition of Preferential Parking Districts (PPDs) and the resulting reduction in available on-street parking. Separately, Council Member Ahn requested that the City Council consider opportunities to increase public parking capacity along 8th Street. Council Member Ahn’s request was related to the approval of a PPD in this area for the residential community along Coronet Circle, Savoy Circle, and Victoria Circle.
Staff reviewed both calendared items and determined that the parking concerns identified in each item are related and would be most effectively addressed through a single, comprehensive report and study session discussion.
Accordingly, this report combines both requests and is organized into two sections. The first section addresses citywide public parking concerns associated with the expansion of PPDs and strategies to increase public parking availability. The second section focuses specifically on parking conditions and opportunities to increase parking capacity on 8th Street, specifically between Knott and Western Avenues.
PART A: Citywide Parking Impacts Related to Preferential Parking District Expansion The City has experienced an increase in requests for Preferential Parking Districts (PPDs) in recent years, primarily in response to spill-over parking demand from commercial uses, transit riders at the Metrolink Station, and older multi-family residential areas. Currently, there are 15 PPDs throughout the City. Out of these, five (5) were established within the last five (5) years. While PPDs are intended to protect residential parking availability for neighborhood residents, the expansion of permit-restricted parking on public streets has reduced the amount of unrestricted public on-street parking available to visitors, service providers, and residents in nearby areas. As a result, concerns have been raised regarding parking displacement and increased competition for available on- street parking spaces.
1. Potential On-Street Strategies to Increase Parking Capacity Staff evaluated a range of potential strategies that could increase public parking availability in residential neighborhoods impacted by PPDs. The strategies reviewed include both short-term operational approaches and longer-term capital or policy solutions. Each option presents varying levels of effectiveness, cost, implementation complexity, and neighborhood impact.
a. Angled Parking Stalls (On-Street)
In locations where street width and traffic circulation allow, converting parallel parking to angled parking could significantly increase the number of on-street spaces. This approach may also have a traffic calming effect by visually narrowing the roadway. However, implementation would require detailed engineering review, as many residential streets do not have sufficient width to safely accommodate angled parking while maintaining emergency vehicle access and adequate sight distance at driveways and intersections. Additionally, vehicles backing out into the street from an angled parking space increase the potential for low-speed collisions.
Costs associated with angled parking conversion would primarily include roadway re-striping, signage modifications, and potential curb or roadway improvements, and would generally be considered moderate depending on the extent of improvements required. Staff has created a standard plan showing how angled parking can be implemented and the circumstances for when it would increase on-street parking supply. c. Parking Within City Parks or Other City-Owned Property Existing City-owned properties, including park sites and other underutilized parcels, could be evaluated for limited public parking opportunities. This option would provide additional off-street parking in specific neighborhoods at a relatively low initial cost where city-owned parking lots already exist. However, implementation would require amendments to the Municipal Code (10.24.055), reduce the amount of parking available for other users, and create enforcement challenges associated with long-term vehicle storage.
The costs associated with this option may be relatively low and be limited to re-striping, signage and possibly lighting upgrades.
d. Development of Parking Lots or Parking Structures on City-Owned Parcels The City could consider acquiring underutilized properties for the development of public parking lots or structured parking facilities. Surface parking lots generally represent a lower-cost alternative but require large lot size to generate meaningful parking capacity.
Development of surface parking lots would require property acquisition costs, environmental review, site improvements, paving, drainage, lighting, and ongoing maintenance expenditures. Structured parking garages include all of the pre-development costs associated with a surface lot, but also include very high capital costs to construct and would require identification of external funding sources or long-term financing mechanisms.
2. Potential Off-Street Strategies to Increase Parking Capacity a. Private Parking Lift Incentive Program
The City could explore a grant or low-interest loan program to encourage apartment complexes and condominium developments to voluntarily install parking lift systems on private property. Such a program could increase off-street parking capacity without requiring City ownership or operation of the equipment. The cost to install a vehicle lift is approximately $12,000 to $15,000 per lift once site preparation, construction plans, permits and installation are factored in. As a result, any financial assistance program offered by the City would require identification of funding sources, development of eligibility requirements, and review by the City Attorney’s Office. c. Enforcement of Existing Garage Parking Requirements
Enhanced enforcement of existing requirements that garages be maintained for vehicle parking rather than storage could help preserve existing off-street parking capacity, particularly in neighborhoods where multi-family residential developments included garages rather than carports to provide onsite parking. While this strategy may reduce dependency on on-street parking in some neighborhoods, it would require regular and ongoing enforcement to ensure compliance and could be viewed by residents as selective enforcement if single-family homes were excluded from enforcement activities.
d. Re-Evaluating Existing No Parking Zones
Staff can re-evaluate the existing no parking zones that are in place for sight distance reasons and determine whether they can be reduced without compromising traffic safety, similar to the approach recently completed on Grand Avenue, to optimize parking. In that case, staff was successfully able to add quite a few parking spaces by implementing this strategy.
e. Development of a program to allow minor variations from zoning requirements for certain identified properties
Working with the Planning Division, a program could be developed that would allow for minor variations in development standards to increase onsite parking capacity. Examples could include the reduction of setbacks to allow for additional parking, or the removal of small portions of green space to allow for additional parking. This program would be limited to existing multi-family construction, and only in areas that have been identified by the City or community to have parking capacity concerns. The program would be administered through the Planning Division, and would allow property owners in high-demand parking areas some flexibility to create additional on-site parking.
Based on staff’s preliminary review of the above-referenced programs/strategies, no single option can fully offset the reduction in unrestricted parking associated with the creation/expansion of PPDs. Some strategies, like angled parking and increased enforcement, identified by staff could potentially be implemented in the near term through operational or policy changes. Others, like parking lots and structures, would require substantial capital investment and further feasibility analysis.
PART B: 8th Street Parking Conditions and Opportunities to Increase Public Parking 8th Street west of Western Avenue is a two-lane residential collector street that intersects Knott Avenue at its western end. The street is approximately 36 feet wide and has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Several residential streets, including Victoria, Coronet, Savoy, Gramercy, Rostrata, and Burnham, intersect 8th Street along this segment.
Both sides of the street, particularly the south side, are lined with residential driveways serving a mix of single- and multi-family residences. Gilbert Elementary School and George Bellis Park are located on the north side of the street. On-street parking is permitted on both sides of 8th Street, and the roadway is characterized by high on- street parking demand.
The single-family homes located along Victoria Circle, Coronet Circle, and Savoy Circle are currently part of a PPD while the predominantly multi-family developments along Gramercy Street, Rostrata Avenue and Burnham Avenue are not a part of a PPD.
The number of multi-family developments, along with the establishment of the PPD on several nearby streets has resulted in the limited availability of on-street parking in the area for residents and visitors who are not part of the PPD. Limited parking availability along 8th Street and adjacent roadways has created an inconvenience for non- PPD residents, visitors, and guests seeking parking in this area.
On 8th Street there are approximately 309 residential units (including the PPD), with approximately 129 on-street parking spaces. This significant imbalance between supply and demand further contributes to chronic parking shortages throughout the corridor and intensifies competition for available spaces.
Based on the existing roadway right-of-way width and constrained cross-sections along 8th Street, there are limited improvements that could be implemented which would significantly increase on-street parking capacity. Staff evaluated multiple parking and circulation scenarios; however, most alternatives were eliminated due to ROW width limitations, driveway access conflicts, and traffic safety considerations.
With on-street parking capacity increases limited, staff also reviewed the option to utilize public parking facilities at George Bellis Park located on the north side of 8th Street. Bellis Park has several parking areas available and contains approximately 118 parking stalls. A portion of these stalls could be allocated to address the parking demands in the area. Staff observed that the parking demand along 8th Street is most severe during overnight hours, when residents return home and on-street parking availability becomes limited.
Designating a limited number of parking stalls within Bellis Park parking lot for overnight residential parking use could be an option. The overnight parking period can be defined as 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM when the park is closed.
These spaces would be clearly identified through appropriate signage and pavement markings to ensure enforceability and to minimize conflicts with daytime park users.
Additionally, residents have identified home-based vehicle-related businesses, including vehicle repair activities, as contributing to localized parking congestion. These types of home businesses are not permitted and, through increased Code Enforcement, have improved and may continue to improve parking availability in affected areas.
Similar to enforcement of garage parking mentioned earlier in this report, this strategy requires ongoing Code Enforcement efforts and resources.
CONCLUSION
City Council direction is requested on which strategies should be prioritized for further analysis and development, including:
Evaluation of City-owned properties for expanded or shared public parking use; Potential refinements to PPD policies, boundaries, or eligibility criteria; Targeted enforcement enhancements related to garage use and illegal commercial activity in residential areas;
Consideration of a pilot program for overnight residential parking within the George Bellis Park parking lot (10:00 PM–7:00 AM), subject to further operational and community impact analysis; Development of an incentive program for apartments to provide on-site parking lifts; and, Development of a program that would allow zoning variances to allow more parking spaces and reduce setbacks to allow additional on-site parking at impacted apartments.
Attachments
ATT 1.pdf
ATT 2.pdf
ATT 3.pdf
ATT 4. pdf
F5' G
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CITY WIDE PARKING REVIEW
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E:\City Council\2026-0512 Agenda\Norm Parking Item - Study Session\Maps\Drafts for Review.dwgDEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBIT NO.SPACE REQUIREMENTS FORANGLED PARKING STALLSANW04/15/2026 ANGLE(A)STALL LENGTH(B)STALL WIDTH(C)STALL DEPTH(D)MIN. STREETWIDTH (E)MIN. DIST. BETWEENDRIVEWAYS (F)2ND RED CURBLENGTH (G)30°35'18'17.5'45.5'290'2.5'45°29'12.7'20.5'48.5'105'3'60°25.2'10.4'21.8'50'65'6' PASSENGER CARNOTES:1.THIS ASSUMES TWO-WAY TRAFFICON THE STREET.2.IF NO PARALLEL PARKING ISAVAILABLE OPPOSITE THE ANGLEDPARKING, OVERALL PARKINGSPACES WILL BE LESS.3.IF DRIVEWAYS ARE CLOSERTOGETHER THAN THE MIN.DISTANCE INDICATED, OVERALLPARKING SPACES WILL BE LESS.
KNOTT AVE
WESTERN AVE
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CITY WIDE PARKING REVIEW
DRAWN BY:DATE:
E:\City Council\2026-0512 CC Agendas\Norm Parking Item - Study Session\Maps\Other Maps.dwgDEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBIT NO.
0SCALE:200'400'1" = 400'N
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649364816469724072266450647064826494648164697188717464406475 BELLISPARKLOT 1118 SPACES
LOT 241 SPACESLOT 3111 SPACES
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E:\City Council\2026-0512 CC Agendas\Norm Parking Item - Study Session\Maps\Other Maps.dwgDEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBIT NO.0SCALE:125'250'1" = 250'N PARKING LOT LAYOUT ATGEORGE BELLIS PARKCNW06/01/2026
CITY OF BUENA PARK
Community Development Department
PARKING GUIDE FOR IMPACTED NEIGHBORHOODS
For Apartment Complex Property Owners and Managers
PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
This guide has been prepared by the City of Buena Park Planning Division to assist apartment complex owners and property managers in identifying opportunities to increase the number of on -site parking spaces within its property. The strategies described in this packet are designed to be low-cost, minimally disruptive, and consistent with the intent of the City's Zoning Ordinance.
The City recognizes that many existing multifamily properties were developed under older parking standards and may face parking impacts as tenant vehicle ownership has increased. Rather than require costly structural changes, the City has developed a review process for minor site modifications that can yield increased parking supply.
Who should use this guide: This packet is intended for owners and managers of apartment complexes in Buena Park that are experiencing parking deficiencies , whether through tenant complaints, unauthorized parking in aisles, or vehicles overflowing onto adjacent public rights-of-way.
SECTION 1 — PARKING REQUIREMENTS MUNICIPAL CODE
The parking standards for multifamily residential properties in Buena Park are contained in Chapter
19.436 of Title 19 (Zoning Ordinance) of the Buena Park Development Code. A summary of the key provisions is provided below.
1.1 Minimum Parking Spaces Required (§19.436.050)
Every lot used for multifamily residential purposes must provide sufficient off -street parking to meet the demand created by all activities on the lot. The minimum requirements are set by unit type as shown in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1: MINIMUM PARKING SPACES REQUIED
Unit Type Spaces Required Notes
Studio / Bachelor Unit 2 Min. 1 covered/enclosed Garages/Carports preferred 1-Bedroom Unit 2 Min. 1 covered/enclosed
2-Bedroom Unit 2.5 Min. 1 covered/enclosed
3+Bedroom Unit 3 Min. 1 covered/enclosed
Table 1 — Minimum Parking Spaces Required (§19.436.050, Table 19.436.050) Note: Additional parking requirements may be required as a condition of site plan review, conditional use permit, or other development approval applicable to the property.
Buena Park – Parking Impacted Neighborhoods
Strategy Guide
June 9, 2026
6650 Beach Boulevard | P.O. Box 5009 | Buena Park, CA | 90622 -5009 | BuenaPark.com
1.2 Parking Dimensions and Layout (§19.436.070)
The layout of all residential parking areas must meet the standards in Table 19.436.070 of the Zoning Ordinance. The key dimensional standards are summarized in Table 2:
TABLE: 2 PARKING SPACE DIMENSIONS SUMMARY
Stall Type Width Length Min. Aisle % Allowed Notes
Standard (90°) 9 ft 18 ft 25 ft (two-way) Up to 100%
Compact (90°) 8 ft 16 ft 25 ft (two-way) Up to 30% Marked "COMPACT" Parallel
(Standard) 8 ft 22 ft 12 ft (one-way) Varies Along walls or curbs Parallel
(Compact) 7 ft 20 ft 12 ft (one-way) Varies Along walls or curbs Garage/Carport 10 ft 20 ft 25 ft —
Min. door opening:
8 ft. single-wide door
16 ft. double-wide door
1.3 Compact Car Parking
Up to 30% of required parking spaces may be designated for compact car parking. Compact spaces must:
• Be a minimum of 8 feet wide and 16 feet in depth
• Be clearly marked on the pavement with "COMPACT" signage • Not be substituted for covered/enclosed required spaces unless approved by the Director
1.4 Parking Location (§19.436.060)
The parking spaces required must be located on the same parcel as the dwelling units they serve.
1.5 Parking Improvements (§19.436.080)
All parking areas must be graded and drained to dispose of surface water. Drainage must be arranged to prevent surface flow across walkways and driveways. Security lighting must be provided in all parking areas accessible after dark. Parking areas must be:
• Paved with concrete or asphalt and maintained in good condition • Striped and clearly marked
• Providing adequate internal circulation so vehicles do not need to back onto a public street • Separated from landscaped areas by a 6-inch-high concrete curb at all boundaries
Buena Park – Parking Impacted Neighborhoods
Strategy Guide
June 9, 2026
6650 Beach Boulevard | P.O. Box 5009 | Buena Park, CA | 90622 -5009 | BuenaPark.com SECTION 2 — STRATEGIES TO INCREASE PARKING SPACES
The following strategies have been identified that can increase on-site parking supply at most apartment complexes. Each strategy has been reviewed by the City and is eligible for an expedited administrative review (Interdepartmental Review) under the City Council's Parking Impacted Neighborhoods Program.
A summary of all strategies and their approximate potential is shown in Table 3 below:
TABLE 3: PARKING STRATEGIES SUMMARY
Parking Capacity Strategy Cost Estimated
Gain Key Considerations
Reduce Stall Width (9 ft → 8 ft) Low 1 - 2 spaces Mark stalls COMPACT; applies to up to 30% of lot
Reduce Drive Aisle Width (One-
way 20’ min. and two-way 25’
min.)
Low 1 row Fire Dept. approval required for one-way 20’
min. drive aisle width.
Interior parking lot landscaping
not adjacent to a street, single-
family zones, or residential
structure
Medium 1 - 2 spaces Retain 3 ft min. strip; use drought-tolerant plants
Parallel Spaces Along Walls Low–
Medium 2 - 8 spaces
8 ft x 22 ft per standard space and 7 ft x 20 ft
per compact space; works along long walls;
shall maintain required drive aisle width and
30% compact space maximum
Convert Landscape Areas Medium 1 - 4 spaces
Requires permit; drainage must be
maintained. Does not apply to required
common usable open space landscaped
areas
Tandem Spaces (assigned only) Low 1–4 spaces Permissible for assigned resident spaces
2.1 Standard 90° Parking Layout (Existing Baseline)
Figure 1 below illustrates the typical existing parking configuration found at most apartment complexes in Buena Park. Understanding this baseline layout is the starting point for identifying where modifications can yield additional spaces.
Buena Park – Parking Impacted Neighborhoods
Strategy Guide
June 9, 2026
6650 Beach Boulevard | P.O. Box 5009 | Buena Park, CA | 90622 -5009 | BuenaPark.com
2.2 Reducing Aisle Width and Parking Space Width
Reducing the drive aisle width and/or converting additional spaces from standard spaces to compact spaces can increase parking supply with minimal cost. This can free up enough linear footage to add one or two additional spaces.
Key considerations for this approach:
• The minimum drive aisle for two-way 90° parking is 25 feet. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) review may be required to confirm reduced drive aisle width meets minimum emergency access requirements.
• Standard parking space widths may be reduced to 8- feet-wide for compact spaces. Up to 30% of total required spaces may be compact.
• This approach works best where 8 contiguous open non- obstructed parking spaces and 18 garage/carport spaces (26 total spaces) are provided to gain 1 space.
Figure 2 - Converting to Compact Spaces
2.3 Reducing Landscape Planters
Many apartment properties have interior planter areas that are 6 to 10 feet deep. By reducing these planters to a 3 -foot minimum maintained strip, new 90° parking spaces can be created against the boundary wall.
Key considerations:
• Front-yard setback areas cannot be reduced or altered to increase parking. Any changes to landscaped areas shall be in the sides (non-street facing) or rear of the property. • A minimum 3-foot landscaped strip must be maintained against all walls and property lines. • Remaining planting must be drought -tolerant and maintained in good condition per BPMC Chapter19.432 (Development Standards - Landscaping).
• The new parking area must be paved, striped, and provided with a 6-inch-high concrete curb at the landscape edge.
• An Interdepartmental Review application is required showing the existing planter dimensions, proposed reduction, and new parking space layout.
Buena Park – Parking Impacted Neighborhoods
Strategy Guide
June 9, 2026
6650 Beach Boulevard | P.O. Box 5009 | Buena Park, CA | 90622 -5009 | BuenaPark.com
Figure 3 — Cutting Into Landscape Planters to Add Perpendicular Spaces
2.4 Parallel Parking Along Property Walls
Where the layout of the parking lot or access driveway does not allow for 90° stalls, parallel parking spaces can be added along long property walls, fences, or building faces. This is particularly useful in areas where there is existing unused paved or planter space running the length of a wall.
Key considerations:
• Each parallel space requires a minimum of 8 feet in width by 22 feet in length for standard parking spaces, and 7 ft in width by 20 ft in length for compact. • Parallel spaces require adequate vehicle access from at least one end of the row — vehicles must be able to pull out without backing onto a public street. • A 12-foot one-way access lane must be maintained adjacent to parallel spaces for vehicle ingress and egress.
• Parallel spaces are best suited to long straight wall runs of 50 feet or more.
Figure 4 — Adding Parallel Spaces Along a Property Wall
Buena Park – Parking Impacted Neighborhoods
Strategy Guide
June 9, 2026
6650 Beach Boulevard | P.O. Box 5009 | Buena Park, CA | 90622 -5009 | BuenaPark.com
2.5 Other Options
In addition to the strategies listed above, property owners may also consider:
• Tandem spaces: Two vehicles parked end- to-end in a single stall. These are permitted for assigned resident spaces and do not require a width greater than the standard stall. Tandem stalls must be assigned to the same unit and may not be used for visitor parking.
• Converting unused utility or storage areas: Some properties have paved areas used for storage or similar uses that could be partially reconfigured for additional parking . The City can evaluate these on a case-by-case basis.
• Reconfiguring end-of-row areas: The end of each parking row often has a radius turn that in some cases can be tightened or redesigned to allow an additional compact stall. Any modifications to turn radii must be reviewed by the Orange County Fire Authority and the City’s franchise waste hauler (EDCO) for compliance.
SECTION 3 — PROGRAM PROCESS AND HOW TO APPLY
3.1 Review of Strategies for Parking-Impacted Properties The City of Buena Park is offering an administrative review process (Interdepartmental Review) for parking space projects at existing multifamily apartment properties in specified areas of the City. The following types of minor modifications may be reviewed at the staff level without a requiring a public hearing:
• Reduction in planter width (to a minimum 3 -foot strip) to create new perpendicular or parallel spaces;
• Reduction in drive aisle width (to a minimum 25 feet for two-way traffic); • Reduction in parking stall width to 8 feet for up to 30% of spaces (compact spaces); • Addition of parallel spaces along interior property walls or boundary fences (usually combined with a reduction in drive aisle width); and
• Conversion of unused paved areas to parking, provided drainage and access standards are maintained.
3.2 What You Will Need to Submit
To initiate an Administrative review, property owners, managers or their representative should submit the following:
• Interdepartmental Review Application online at www.buenapark.com/; • A fully dimensioned site plan drawn to scale showing the existing parking layout, all landscaped areas, drive aisles, and property boundaries;
• A proposed site plan clearly showing the new or modified spaces, with dimensions for each stall, aisle widths, and planter strip dimensions;
• Photos of the existing parking areas and landscaping (minimum 4–6 photos); • Property address, assessor's parcel number (APN), and contact information for the owner or authorized representative.
3.3 Fees and Timeline
Fee: Interdepartmental Review Fee is $1,810.
Timeline: Once a complete application is received and paid, City staff will review and prepare a written response within 30 days.
Buena Park – Parking Impacted Neighborhoods
Strategy Guide
June 9, 2026
6650 Beach Boulevard | P.O. Box 5009 | Buena Park, CA | 90622 -5009 | BuenaPark.com
3.4 Building Permits
After Planning IDR approval, a Building Permit and PW may be required for any physical work, including paving, striping, curb modifications, and landscaping changes. The IDR application process will identify is any building permits are required for the proposed alternations.
SECTION 4 — CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions about this guide, the parking enhancement program, or the permit process, please contact:
Planning Division City of Buena Park, Community Development Department Online Inquiry https://buenaparkca.portal.opengov.com/categories/1071/record-types/6397 Phone (714) 562-3680
This guide is intended for informational purposes only. All parking modifications require formal City review and approval. Standards are subject to change. Refer to the current Buena Park Zoning Ordinance (Title 19) for complete requirements.