Council to Consider Suspending Parking Fees for Fire-Affected Residents

At a special meeting on Thursday, the Pasadena City Council will consider adopting a resolution suspending parking fees for residents affected by the Eaton Fire. 

Fees would be suspended for preferential parking guest passes, overnight parking permits, parking in City garages, and vehicles registered to addresses impacted by the Eaton Fire. 

Residents living in the area could receive up to three additional annual guest parking permits per address for vehicles registered to properties damaged or destroyed in the fire. 

Also available would be additional overnight parking permits for residents hosting displaced individuals, with certain exceptions. 

Free parking for fire-affected vehicles in City garages for up to 30 days, depending on available capacity, would also be available. 

The Department of Transportation temporarily suspended parking enforcement on January 8, following the wind and fire emergency, in order to focus resources on disaster response. 

During that time, staff assisted with traffic control, staffing the City’s Emergency Operations Center, and supporting shelter and distribution efforts.

Parking enforcement resumed on January 13 for safety violations, including red flag and fire hydrant blockages, and returned to City-owned meters and surface lots on January 21. 

Now, as the city transitions into the recovery phase, Department of Transportation is recommending a modified parking policy to help residents rebuild and accommodate those hosting displaced individuals. Many residents are still working to recover from the  fire’s devastation, and the policy could help ease some of the burdens they face during this time. 

A phased resumption of full parking enforcement is expected, starting February 3, for street sweeping, preferential parking districts, and certain vehicle violations. Overnight parking enforcement is set to resume on March 1. 

In addition to the free permits, the Council will consider allowing residents of impacted areas to park oversized vehicles off-street at no cost, for up to 30 days, while ensuring that public safety and street maintenance are not compromised.