CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
August 18, 2025
TO: City Council
FROM: Department of Public Works
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 9 OF TITLE 4 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE ES TABLISHING
A PREFERENTIAL PARKING PROGRAM
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 1365, page 4 adding Article 8 to Chapter 9 of Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code, establishing a preferential parking program.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
At the December 16, 2024 , meeting, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance establishing a preferential parking program.
Preferential permit parking is a program that restricts on- street parking along residential streets to residents of that designated area and their guests. Typically , preferential parking zones are established along residential streets where parking is impacted by non- resident parkers, such as overflow parking from adjacent businesses, or streets that may be impacted by non -resident parkers from neighborhood schools or parks. Preferential parking enables resident s a better opportunity to find on- street parking for themselves, their family members, or their guests if current parking conditions are adversely impacted by individuals who do not reside in that area.
Staff research indicates that a preferential parking program is established by ordinance with individual parking zones established by resolution. Once a preferential permit parking program is established, residents can follow a procedure to establish a parking zone on their street.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
The attached ordinance establishing a preferential parking program includes the criteria for establishing a preferential parking zone and other rules and regulations. Individual parking zones will be established by resolution. The criteria includes a requirement for a petition from residents along the street, representing two-thirds of the homes, requesting the establishment of preferential parking. Detailed rules and regulations, cost of permits,
AGENDA ITEM NO.
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rules for guest or visitor permits, parking violation fee schedule, etc. c an also be established by resolution if the Council establishes the preferential parking program.
U
pon receipt of a qualifying petition, City staff would conduct parking studies to determine if on-street parking is adversely impacted by non-resident parkers. If the location satisfies the criteria to establish a preferential parking zone, the proposed parking zone will be presented to the City Council for consideration.
T
he Council may adopt a resolution designating an area as a preferential parking zone based upon the following criteria:
(a
) That nonresident vehicles, defined as those vehicles operated by persons whose destinations are to nonresidential areas, do or may substantially and regularly interfere with the use of the majority of available on-street or alley parking spaces by adjacent residents;
(b
) That the interference by the nonresident vehicles occurs at regular and significant daily or weekly intervals;
(c
) That the nonresident vehicles parked in the area of the proposed zone cause or are the source of unreasonable noise, traffic hazards, environmental pollution, or devaluation of real property in the area of the proposed zone; (d
) That no unreasonable displacement of nonresident vehicles will result in the surrounding residential areas outside the proposed zone; (e
) That a shortage of reasonably available and convenient residential -related parking spaces exists in the area of the proposed zone; and
(f
) That alternative solutions are not feasible or practical.
I
f the City Council approves the establishment of a preferential parking zone, then Public Works staff will install parking restriction signs along the street. Administrative Services staff will also prepare to sell permits and maintain appropriate records of the names of permit holders, addresses, etc. The Police Department would be responsible for parking enforcement.
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f a preferential parking program is established, as noted, staff from the Public Works , Administrative Services, and the Police Departments would be responsible for the program. If the demand for parking permits is high , each department may need to enhance staffing. The Police Department has indicated that their current resources would not allow for proactive parking enforcement. Parking enforcement is performed by Police Services Officers on a complaint basis only. Current staffing levels do not allow for regular, routine patrol of parking zones.
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t is difficult to predict the demand for preferential parking throughout the City, so the need for enhanced resources cannot be estimated at this time. However, staff is not aware of 2 any complaints from residential neighborhoods about non- resident parkers along their streets.
T
he following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. I
ntroduce the attached Ordinance No. 1365 adding Article 8 to Chapter 9 of Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code, establishing a preferential parking program;
2. I
ntroduce the attached Ordinance No. 1365 adding Article 8 to Chapter 9 of Title of the Simi Valley Municipal Code, with modification, establishing a preferential parking program;
3. P
rovide other direction to staff.
S
taff recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I
move to introduce Ordinance No. 1365.
SUMMARY
A
t the December 16, 2024 , meeting, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance establishing a preferential parking program. Preferential parking is a program that restricts on-street parking along residential streets to residents and their guests. The attached ordinance establishes the criteria for establishing a preferential parking program and other rules and regulations. Individual parking zones would be established by resolution. The criteria include s a requirement for a petition from residents along the street representing two-thirds of the homes requesting to establish preferential parking.
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce O rdinance No. 1365 establishing a preferential parking program.
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_________________________________
Ronald K. Fuchiwaki
Public Works Director
P
repared by: Ron Fuchiwaki, Public Works Director
INDEX Page
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rdinance No. 1365 ................................................................................. 4 3 ORDINANCE NO. 1365
A
N ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 9 OF TITLE 4 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE
ESTABLISHING A PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES
T
HE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Article 8 is hereby added to Chapter 9 of Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to read as follows:
A
RTICLE 8. PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES
S
ect. 4-9.801. Purpose.
The preferential parking requirements established in this Article are intended to regulate and manage traffic and parking circulation by limiting on- street parking availability on residential streets in a manner that facilitates the ability of residents with preferential parking permits to find on- street parking for their vehicles in close proximity to their residence, and promotes sufficient parking availability in a particular area when and where needed.
S
ect. 4-9.802 Definitions.
The following words and phrases used in this Chapter shall have the following meanings. (
a) "Dwelling unit" shall mean any self-contained house, apartment, stock cooperative, or condominium occupied solely for residential purposes.
(
b) "Preferential parking zone" shall mean a residential area with streets and boundaries designated by the City Council wherein vehicles displaying a permit issued pursuant to this Article shall be exempt from parking restrictions established pursuant to this Article. (
c) "Resident" shall mean any person who lives in a dwelling unit located in a preferential parking zone.
(
d) "Visitor" shall mean a person visiting residents living in a preferential parking zone.
S
ect. 4-9.803. Designation of preferential parking zone. (a) Upon receipt and verification of a petition signed by residents living in two-thirds of the dwelling units comprising at least fifty percent of the developed frontage of the area proposed for designation, the City shall undertake such surveys or studies as deemed necessary to determine whether an area should be designated a preferential parking zone.
(b
) Upon the recommendation of City staff, the City Council shall consider areas for designation as preferential parking zones. If the Council finds that an area satisfies 4 the criteria set forth in this Chapter for preferential parking zone designation, the Council may adopt a resolution designating an area as a preferential parking zone and authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to establish appropriate parking restrictions for the zone.
(c) T
he City Council may, at its discretion, adopt a resolution designating an area as a preferential parking zone and authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to establish appropriate parking restrictions for the zone.
Se
ct. 4-9.804. Designation criteria.
The Council may adopt a resolution designating an area as a preferential parking zone based upon the following criteria:
(a) That nonresident vehicles, defined as those vehicles operated by persons whose destinations are to nonresidential areas, do or may substantially and regularly interfere with the use of the majority of available on-street or alley parking spaces by adjacent residents;
(b) That the interference by the nonresident vehicles occurs at regular and significant daily or weekly intervals;
(c) That the nonresident vehicles parked in the area of the proposed zone cause or are the source of unreasonable noise, traffic hazards, environmental pollution, or devaluation of real property in the area of the proposed zone; (d) That no unreasonable displacement of nonresident vehicles will result in surrounding residential areas outside the proposed zone; (e) That a shortage of reasonably available and convenient residential related parking spaces exists in the area of the proposed zone; and
(f) That alternative solutions are not feasible or practical.
Se
ct. 4-9.805. Dissolution process.
A preferential parking zone shall be dissolved by resolution of the City Council:
(a) Upon receipt and verification of a petition signed by residents living in two-thirds of the dwelling units comprising at least fifty percent of the developed frontage of the preferential parking zone; or
(b) Upon findings by the City Council that the criteria for designating the preferential parking zone are no longer satisfied.
Se
ct. 4-9.806. Preferential parking permits.
(a) Issuance and Fees. No permit will be issued to any applicant until that applicant has paid all of his or her outstanding parking citations, including all civil penalties and related fees.
5 ORD. NO. 1365
An applicant shall present proof of residency in the preferential parking zone.
Eac
h qualified applicant is entitled to purchase one permit per vehicle, up to three (3) permits per year. The address of vehicle registration must coincide with the residence address of applicant. An applicant requesting more than three permits for may be granted additional permits by the City upon showing that there are more than three vehicles registered at the dwelling unit and that to deny additional permits would constitute a hardship, and upon the determination by the City, that sufficient off-street parking is not available to the applicant.
Per
mit fees shall cover the cost of establishing and maintaining the preferential parking zone. Permit fees shall be set by City Council resolution at the time of the preferential parking zone designation.
(b) D
uration. Preferential parking permits shall remain in effect for a period of one calendar year or fraction thereof, or as long as the permit holder continues to reside in the dwelling unit for which the permit was issued, or until the preferential parking zone for which the permit was issued is dissolved, whichever period of time is less. (c) Visitor Permits. Any resident may purchase two visitor permits per dwelling unit. (d) Guest Permits. The owner or owner's agent of a commercial property which is a City - designated historic landmark and which provides overnight accommodations on residentially-zoned property within a preferential parking zone may obtain one guest permit for preferential parking per guest unit. Such permits shall be in lieu of an exemption of the property's frontage from preferential parking regulations. (e) Availability of Parking. A preferential parking permit shall not guarantee or reserve for the permit holder an on-street parking space within the designated preferential parking zone.
(f) Restrictions and Conditions. Each permit issued pursuant to this Section shall be subject to every condition and restriction set forth in this Article and as provided for the preferential parking zone for which it was issued, as may be amended from time to time. The issuance of such permit shall not be construed to waive compliance with any other applicable parking law, regulation or ordinance.
Se
ct. 4-9.807. Exemptions.
(a) The following vehicles are exempt from parking restrictions pursuant to this Article:
(1) A
vehicle owned or operated by a public or private utility, when used in the course of business.
(2) A
vehicle owned or operated by a governmental agency, when used in the course of official government business.
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(3) A vehicle for which an authorized emergency vehicle permit has been issued by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol, when used in the course of business.
(4) A
vehicle parked or standing while actively delivering materials or freight. (5) A
vehicle displaying an authorized exemption permit issued by the City of Simi Valley.
(6) A
vehicle parked for the purpose of attending or participating in an event taking place at a school within the Simi Valley Unified School District, provided that the vehicle is parked within two blocks of the school, the school has requested and received approval from the City at least fourteen days before the event date, and the school distributes notices to all addresses within a two- block radius of the school. Exempt parking pursuant to this subsection (a)(6) is available for no more than five events per school year for each school.
(b) A
ll vehicles are exempt from parking restrictions pursuant to this Article on the following holidays: January 1st, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25th.
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ct. 4-9.808. Authority of city staff.
(a) The Director of Public Works and the Director of Administrative Services are authorized to adopt administrative regulations that are consistent with the purposes of this Article.
(b) The Police Department shall have the authority to enforce the administrative regulations established pursuant to this Article.
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ct. 4-9.809. Prohibitions and fines.
No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle adjacent to any curb in a preferential parking zone in violation of any posted or noticed prohibition or restriction, unless the person has a valid and current preferential parking permit for that vehicle, or is otherwise exempt to the extent authorized by law.
Se
ct. 4-9.810. Transfer of preferential parking permits prohibited. (a) No person shall sell, rent, or lease, or cause to be sold, rented, or leased for any value or consideration any preferential parking permit. Upon the conviction of a violation of this subsection, all permits issued to, or for the benefit of, the dwelling unit for which the sold, rented, or leased permit was authorized shall be void. (b) No per
son shall buy or otherwise acquire for value or use any preferential parking except as provided in this Article.
(c)
Any person violating this Section shall be guilty of an infraction, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars, or a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars per 7 ORD. NO. 1365
violation, or by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
SECTION 2: Invalidity. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
SECTION 3: Electronic Signatures . This Ordinance may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
SECTION 4: The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of this Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of Simi Valley book of original ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting; and, within 15 days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in accordance with California law.
SECTION 5: This Ordinance will take effect on the 30th day following its final passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of __________, 2025.
Atte
st:
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___________________________ ________________________________ Lucy Blanco, City Clerk Dee Dee Cavanaugh, Mayor of the City of Simi Valley, California
APP
ROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
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___________________________ _________________________________ Algeria R. Ford, City Attorney Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager ______
__________________________
Ronald K. Fuchiwaki
Public Works Director
8 ORD. NO. 1365