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Council introduces paid-parking ordinance for Old Town; staff projects $1.2M annual revenue
Summary
Council voted to introduce an ordinance establishing license-plate-based paid parking in the Old Town commercial core (first reading). Staff proposed $2/hour in the plaza, $1.50/hour on streets and $1.25/hour in lots, citing underutilized perimeter parking and the need to create turnover; public commenters raised tenant, accessibility and enforcement concerns.
The City Council on Jan. 28 voted to introduce (first reading) an ordinance that would establish a paid-parking program for Old Town Orange’s commercial core.
Public Works staff, supported by parking consultant Dixon, told the council the goal is to increase turnover near storefronts by moving long-term parkers to peripheral lots and improving enforcement. Staff recommended a license-plate-based system with payment options via mobile app or pay stations, suggested time limits (two hours on city streets, four hours in city lots) and estimated implementation could take about nine months.
Proposed rates presented to council were $2 per hour in the plaza, $1.50 per hour on city streets and $1.25 per hour in city lots. Staff estimated the program could generate approximately $1.2 million a year in general revenues that could be reinvested in the district.
Public commenters supported the program’s ability to increase turnover but urged the city to address tenant parking and accessibility for mixed-use buildings, to coordinate enforcement, and to adopt design-sensitive pay stations that fit the historic Old Town aesthetic. Brandy Romero, who represents property owners with residential tenants downtown, said many residents live above storefronts and need consideration for parking access.
Staff said permit exemptions and a resident-permit program could be established; the ordinance gives the Public Works director administrative flexibility to issue exemptions for specific circumstances and to suspend permit parking for special events. Staff also described enforcement options, including contract-based enforcement and use of license-plate readers for efficient citation issuance.
The council voted to introduce the ordinance on first reading; roll-call recorded 4–2 in favor, with Council Members Dimitrio and Bilodeau voting no and one recorded refusal/abstention by Council Member Barrios as noted in the meeting record. Next steps include preparing an RFP for a parking vendor, return to the council for contract approval and additional traffic-commission review of time limits.
