Orange adopts parking meter ordinance after debate over library access and enforcement

The Orange City Council adopted Ordinance No. 02‑25 to establish parking meter zones, operations, fees and procedures in Old Town and other downtown areas. The ordinance had been continued from Feb. 11, 2025, and returned for second reading and adoption. Council member Tavares moved the item; staff and council carried out a roll call vote that resulted in four yes, two no and one abstention (Council member Barrios recused herself from this item).

Public speakers expressed mixed views. Peter Wetzel, representing Friends of the Orange Public Library, warned that paid parking in Old Town could push non‑patron parking into the main library lot and deter library users; he suggested a low‑cost solution: reserving some library lot spaces for patrons with signage and enforcement. AJ Rickey and Brandy Romero, speaking for downtown merchants and Old Town stakeholders, argued that timed parking zones and digital meters are necessary to support expected commercial redevelopment downtown and address employees occupying public stalls; Romero also asked that the city ensure contracted parking enforcement (SP Plus) enforces permit parking in adjacent residential neighborhoods if meters are installed.

Staff said the paid‑parking report contemplates possible treatments for the library lot, including time limits, patron permits and a patron registration option allowing license plate entry to permit free library parking when required. Staff also described a business permit or employee pass option to help merchants subscribe for long‑term employee parking. Councilmembers discussed outreach with businesses and mitigation tools to prevent spillover into residential areas.

The ordinance establishes the authority and framework for timed parking and digital enforcement; the council directed staff to implement mitigation options and monitor spillover effects.