City Council initiates residential parking permit zone plan with 51% neighborhood support

During the recent Regular City Council Meeting held on May 19, 2025, in San Fernando, California, council members engaged in a significant discussion regarding the implementation of a new residential parking permit program. This initiative aims to address parking challenges in the community, particularly in residential areas.

The council's primary focus was on establishing a framework for the program, which includes a recommendation to set a cap of 100 permits. Council members expressed their concerns about the next steps, particularly the need to amend the municipal code to facilitate the program's implementation. The proposed amendment would require a petition from at least 51% of residents in contiguous blocks to establish a residential parking permit zone.

City officials clarified that while the council does not need to formally adopt the entire plan at this stage, it would be beneficial to provide direction for staff to draft an ordinance reflecting the discussed elements. This ordinance would outline the basic rules for the program, including the petition process and the necessary approvals.

The council reached a consensus to move forward with the ordinance, which will be presented in a more detailed proposal at a future meeting. This decision marks a proactive step towards addressing parking issues in the city, highlighting the council's commitment to enhancing community living conditions.

As the council prepares to refine the ordinance, residents can anticipate further discussions that will delve into the specifics of the program, including fee schedules and operational details. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in shaping the effectiveness of the residential parking permit program and its impact on the San Fernando community.