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Lodi approves limited residential‑permit parking on Laurel Avenue to ease lake‑area congestion
Summary
After months of neighborhood complaints about overflow parking, u‑turns and blocked driveways near Lodi Lake, council approved a pilot restricting public parking on the east side of Laurel Avenue north of Turner to permit holders; staff will monitor impacts and pursue signage improvements.
The Lodi City Council voted unanimously Nov. 5 to implement residential‑permit parking on the east side of Laurel Avenue north of Turner as an initial measure to address persistent overflow parking and safety concerns near Lodi Lake.
Public Works presented neighborhood survey results that showed majority support on Laurel for a permit program. Staff described three options (east side only; both sides; east side plus nearby streets) and recommended a stepped approach; council adopted option 1 (east side only) to limit displacement while monitoring effects.
Residents described repeated property damage, obstructed driveways, frequent U‑turns and difficulty for large emergency vehicles. "There was a fire truck and an ambulance that came down Laurel Avenue...they couldn't really turn around," resident Carla Cope said, urging clearer non‑through and park‑access signage.
Policy and enforcement: the permit program requires proof of residency and a nominal permit fee; staff said permits cost $5.50 for three years and that police enforcement will follow a grace period after signs are installed. Council asked staff to evaluate signage placement (including clearer "no outlet" warnings) to reduce drivers mistakenly entering Laurel while trying to reach park parking.
Next steps: staff will install signage and enforce the east‑side permit restriction, monitor complaints and return to council if displacement to adjacent streets becomes a problem or additional neighborhoods request restrictions.
