Cupertino Municipal Code Ch. 11.24 Stopping, Standing and Parking--Public Streets\

* For statutory provisions relating to stopping, standing and parking, see Veh. Code § 22500 et seq. For provisions regarding the parking or leaving of vehicles in public parks, see Ch. 13.04 of this code; for provisions regarding the enforcement of parking regulations, see Ch. 2.30. Prior ordinance history: Ord. 381.

The provisions of this chapter prohibiting the stopping, standing or parking of a vehicle shall apply at all times, or at those times herein specified, except when it is necessary either to stop a vehicle to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with the directions of a law enforcement officer or official traffic-control device.

(Ord. 843, § 4.1, 1977)

The provisions of this chapter imposing a time limit on stopping, standing, or parking shall not relieve any person from the duty to observe other and more restrictive provisions of the Vehicle Code of the state, or the ordinances of the City prohibiting or limiting the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles in specified places or at specified times.

(Ord. 843, § 4.2, 1977)

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings set forth in this section:

A. “Emergency” means a situation in which immediate, temporary, small-scale maintenance is necessary in order to permit an otherwise operable vehicle to continue, such as changing a flat tire, jump-starting a dead battery, or adding water to an overheated radiator. An emergency situation shall not be construed to permit work on, or storage of, a vehicle which could be towed to an appropriate location for repair or servicing.

B. “Display for sale” means to place, store, park, or cause to be placed, stored or parked, for the primary purpose of selling such vehicle or part thereof, as opposed to parking such vehicle temporarily for the purpose of carrying out incidental errands or other temporary tasks. It shall be a rebuttable presumption affecting the burden of proof, that any vehicle, or part thereof, displaying a “For Sale” Parking limited alongsign, or displaying a sign containing information about price, conditions, or telephone number, has been parked or placed for the primary purpose of sale.

C. “Highway” means a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purpose of vehicular travel. “Highway” includes street.

D. “Holidays” means the first day in January, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Admission Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas.

E. “Intersection” means the area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curblines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways, of two highways which join one another at approximately right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.

F. “Park” means to stand or leave standing any vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading of passengers or materials.

G. “Parkway” means that portion of a street other than a roadway or sidewalk.

H. “Roadway” means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.

I. “Sidewalk” means that portion of a highway, other than the roadway, set apart by curbs, barriers, markings, or other delineation for pedestrian travel.

J. “Stop” or “stopping” when prohibited means any cessation of movement of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a police officer or official traffic-control device or signal.

K. “Street” means a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. “Street” includes highway.

L. “Vehicle” means any passenger cars, trucks, vans, buses, motor homes, trailers, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and boats, as well as parts and accessories thereof, including but not limited to camper shells, boat trailers, tires, seats, and other similar items.

(Ord. 1394, § 1 (part), 1986; Ord. 843, § 2, 1977)

The City Traffic Engineer is authorized, subject to the provisions and limitations of this chapter, to place, and when required in this chapter shall place the following curb markings or curb markings and signs to indicate parking or standing regulations, and the curb markings shall have the meanings as set forth in this section.

A. No-parking Zone. Red means no stopping, standing, or parking at any time except as permitted by the Vehicle Code, and except that a bus may stop in a red zone marked or signed as a bus zone.

B. Loading Zone. Yellow means no stopping, standing or parking for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of passengers or materials to and from commercial vehicles making commercial deliveries; provided, that the loading or unloading of passengers shall not consume more than three minutes, nor the loading or unloading of materials more than twenty minutes, unless the City Traffic Engineer has caused signs to be posted giving notice of different period in which the restrictions shall apply.

C. Passenger Loading Zone. White means no stopping, standing, or parking for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of passengers, which shall not exceed three minutes, unless the City Traffic Engineer has caused signs to be posted giving notice of a different period in which the restrictions shall apply.

D. Restricted Parking Zone. Green means no stopping, standing, or parking for longer than twelve minutes at any time between seven a.m. and six p.m. on any day except Sundays and holidays, unless the City Traffic Engineer has caused signs, markings, or curb markings and signs to be posted giving notice of a different period in which the restrictions apply.

E. Handicapped Parking Zone. Blue means no stopping, standing, or parking except for vehicles of physically handicapped persons.

F. Temporary Parking Zone. Notwithstanding any other curb markings or signs placed pursuant to this chapter, the Hearing Officer may designate an area or areas to be a temporary parking zone, upon compliance with the procedures set forth in Section 11.24.220. Within an area in which appropriate signs or markings have been placed indicating a temporary parking zone, the terms and provisions noted thereon shall supersede all other parking ordinances and regulations inconsistent therewith.

(Ord. 903, (part), 1978; Ord. 843, § 3, 1977)

Whenever signs have been erected, pursuant to Sections 11.24.040 through 11.24.110, no person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in the area designated by such signs.

(Ord. 843, § 9.2, 1977)

A. It is unlawful for any person to stop, stand, or park any vehicle as defined in the Vehicle Code of California, at any time when the City Traffic Engineer has erected signs or placed markings giving notice that parking is prohibited at any place within a distance not to exceed fifty feet of:

1. An intersection crosswalk in any commercially zoned area; or,

2. The approach to any traffic signal, boulevard stop sign, or official electric flashing device; or,

3. Either or both sides of any driveway approach; or,

4. The curb return at the intersection of any two streets.

B. The City Traffic Engineer shall give notice of the prohibition of parking at any of the places described in this section, either by erecting and maintaining signs giving notice, or by placing a curb marking consisting of red paint upon the top and face of each curb.

(Ord. 843, § 9.1, 1977)

The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to install and maintain parking space markings to indicate parking spaces adjacent to curbings where authorized parking is permitted. When such parking space markings are placed in the highway, subject to other and more restrictive limitations, no vehicle shall be stopped, left standing or parked, other than within a single space, unless the size or shape of such vehicle makes compliance impossible.

(Ord. 843, § 9.3, 1977)

The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to determine and to mark loading zones and passenger loading zones in commercially zoned areas and elsewhere, either in front of the entrance to any place of business, or in front of any hall or place used for the purpose of public assembly.

(Ord. 843, § 9.4, 1977)

Loading zones shall be indicated by a yellow paint line upon the top and face of all curbs within such zones.

(Ord. 843, § 9.5, 1977)

Passenger loading zones shall be indicated by a white line stenciled with black letters “PASSENGER LOADING ONLY” upon the top of all curbs within such zones.

(Ord. 843, § 9.6, 1977)

The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to determine and to mark parking spaces on public streets for the exclusive use of vehicles which display a distinguishing license plate or placard issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to handicapped persons or to disabled veterans pursuant to Sections 22511.5 and 9105 of the California Vehicle Code. All parking spaces so designated shall be identified by blue paint on the curb or edge of the paved portion of the street adjacent to the space. In addition to blue paint, the space may also be indicated by signs or other suitable means.

(Ord. 843, § 9.7, 1977)

No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle within any parkway.

(Ord. 843, § 5, 1977)

A. No person who owns or has in their possession, custody, or control any vehicle or trailer shall park such vehicle or trailer upon any public street or alley for more than a consecutive period of seventy-two (72) hours. This prohibition shall apply to all vehicles parked or left standing within City limits unless explicitly exempt from this parking restriction by this section or another section of this code.

B. Any vehicle that has been parked or left standing in violation of this seventy-two (72) hour parking limit may be issued a citation or removed from the street in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 22651.

(Ord. 843, § 6, 1977; Ord. 25-2275, § 1, 2025)

A. No person shall park a vehicle upon any roadway or on any private property or private roadway without the express written permission of the owner of such property, for the principal purpose of servicing or repairing such vehicle, except when necessitated by an emergency.

B. Violation of this provision shall constitute an infraction, and shall subject the registered owner of such vehicle to the penalties as prescribed by Chapter 1.12 of the Cupertino Municipal Code. Each day the violation continues constitutes a new offense. This section shall not constitute the exclusive means of enforcement of vehicles or parts thereof which have been stored, parked, placed, or abandoned on public or private roadways and private property within the City limits.

(Ord. 1999, 2007; Ord. 1394, §§ 1 (part), 2, 1986; Ord. 1380, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 1986; Ord. 843, § 8, 1977)

No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle as defined in the Vehicle Code of California on any day on any of the following streets or portions of streets within the City, as set out in Table 11.24.150.

(Ord. 20-2210, § 1, 2020; Ord. 2006, 2007; Ord. 1990, 2006; Ord. 1968, 2005; Ord. 1859, 2000; Ord. 1857, (part), 2000; Ord. 1851, 2000; Ord. 1840, (part), 1999; Ord. 1836, 1999; Ord. 1806, 1999; Ord. 1743, 1996; Ord. 1741, 1996; Ord. 1729, 1996; Ord. 1727, 1996; Ord. 1724, (part), 1996; Ord. 1683, (part), 1995; Ord. 1605, 1992; Ord. 1589, 1992; Ord. 1578, 1992; Ord. 1577, 1992; Ord. 1564, 1991; Ord. 1562, 1991; Ord. 1553, 1991; Ord. 1547, (part), 1991; Ord. 1521, 1990; Ord. 1467, 1988; Ord. 1455, 1988; Ord. 1454, 1988; Ord. 1446, 1988; Ord. 1439, 1988; Ord. 1428, 1987; Ord. 1423, 1987; Ord. 1419, (part), 1987; Ord. 1409, (part), 1987; Ord. 1405, (part), 1987; Ord. 1397, 1987; Ord. 1395, 1986; Ord. 1390, (part), 1986; Ord. 1388, 1986; Ord. 1357, 1986; Ord. 1351, 1986; Ord. 1338, 1986; Ord. 1325, 1985; Ord. 1304, 1985; Ord. 1302, 1985; Ord. 1189, (part), 1984; Ord. 1285, 1984; Ord. 1276, (part), 1984; Ord. 1266, 1984; Ord. 1245, (part), 1983; Ord. 1221, 1983; Ord. 1218, 1983; Ord. 1203, (part), 1982; Ord. 1178, 1982; Ord. 1172, (part), 1982; Ord. 1170, 1982; Ord. 1156, 1982; Ord. 1152, (part), 1981; Ord. 1151, (part), 1981; Ord. 1148, 1981; Ord. 1140, 1981; Ord. 1129, 1981; Ord. 1124, (part), 1981; Ord. 1118, (part), 1981; Ord. 1115, 1981; Ord. 1097, 1981; Ord. 1072, 1980; Ord. 1069, 1980; Ord. 1058, 1980; Ord. 1025, 1980; Ord. 1001, 1980; Ord. 993, 1980; Ord. 992, 1980; Ord. 980, 1980; Ord. 971, (part), 1980; Ord. 927, 1979; Ord. 908, 1979; Ord. 899, 1978; Ord. 886, § 1, 1978; Ord. 873, § 2, 1978; Ord. 843, § 10.1, 1977)

No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle as defined in the Vehicle Code of California on any day except as herein provided on the streets, or portions of streets, set out in Table 11.24.160, within the City of Cupertino between the respective hours set opposite the name of each street.

(Ord. 2034, 2008; Ord. 2029, 2008; Ord. 1862, 2000; Ord. 1840, (part), 1999; Ord. 1781, 1998; Ord. 1718, (part), 1996; Ord. 1683, (part), 1995; Ord. 1645, 1994; Ord. 1633, 1993; Ord. 1547, (part), 1991; Ord. 1545, 1990; Ord. 1518, 1990; Ord. 1476, (part), 1988; Ord. 1427, 1987; Ord. 1422, 1987; Ord. 1392, 1986; Ord. 1390, (part), 1986; Ord. 1369, 1986; Ord. 1276, (part), 1984; Ord. 1265, 1984; Ord. 1264, 1984; Ord 1245, (part) 1983; Ord. 1203, (part), 1982; Ord. 1172, (part), 1982; Ord. 1152, (part) 1981; Ord 1151, (part), 1981; Ord. 1135, 1981; Ord. 1124 (part), 1981; Ord. 1118, (part), 1981; Ord. 1074, 1980; Ord. 1007, 1980; Ord. 999, (part), 1980; Ord. 971, (part), 1980; Ord. 873, § 3, 1973; Ord. 843, § 10.2, 1977; Ord. 1990, 2006; Ord. 24-2263, § 1, 2024)

TABLE 11.24.150

TABLE 11.24.160

TABLE 11.24.170

No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle as defined in the Vehicle Code of California, or as hereafter amended, on the streets or portions of streets, set out in Table 11.24.170, within the City for a period of time longer than that indicated opposite the name of each street between the respective hours set opposite the name of each street on any day, or on any one day and the next ensuing day, except as provided in this section.

(Ord. 2002, 2007; Ord. 1930, 2004; Ord. 1914, (part), 2003; Ord. 1884, 2001; Ord. 1882, 2001; Ord. 1857, (part), 2000; Ord. 1476, (part), 1988; Ord. 1419, (part), 1987; Ord. 1409, (part), 1987; Ord. 1405, (part), 1987; Ord. 1276, (part), 1984; Ord. 1163, 1982; Ord. 843, § 10.3, 1977; Ord. 1991, 2006)

Diagonal parking permitted on certain streets. No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle as defined in the Vehicle Code of California except within the parking stalls provided, marked and delineated on the following named streets:

(Ord. 1840, (part), 1999; Ord. 1483, 1989; Ord. 1348, 1986; Ord. 1340, 1985; Ord. 843, § 10.4, 1977)

A. Property Owned or Operated by the City. The City Traffic Engineer may designate stalls or spaces in any off-street parking facility owned or operated by the City for the exclusive use of vehicles which display a distinguishing license plate or placard issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to handicapped persons or to disabled veterans pursuant to Sections 22511.5 and 9105 of the California Vehicle Code. All spaces or stalls so designated shall be marked by posting immediately adjacent to, and visible from, each stall or space, a sign consisting of a profile view of a wheelchair with occupant in white on a blue background.

B. Removal of Unauthorized Vehicles. The City may cause the removal, from a stall or space designated for physically handicapped persons in a parking facility owned or operated by the City, of any vehicle not displaying one of the distinguishing placards or license plates specified in Sections 22511.5 and 9105 of the California Vehicle Code if a sign is posted in conformance with Section 22511.8 of the California Vehicle Code which clearly and conspicuously gives the notice specified in that section.

C. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to restrict the rights of private property owners to designate parking areas for the exclusive use of handicapped persons under the provisions of Sections 22511.7 and 22511.8 of the California Vehicle Code.

(Ord. 843, § 11, 1977)

Any regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in the direction of traffic or enforcement of parking regulations when designated by the sheriff may remove a vehicle from a street, except a freeway, in the manner and subject to the requirements of Vehicle Code of the state Sections 22650 through 22856 under the following circumstances:

A. When any vehicle is illegally parked so as to block the entrance to a private driveway and it is impractical to move such vehicle from in front of the driveway to another point on the street;

B. When any vehicle is illegally parked so as to prevent access by firefighting equipment to a fire hydrant and it is impracticable to move such vehicle from in front of the fire hydrant to another point on the street;

C. When a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway for seventy-two or more consecutive hours;

D. When a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a street where the use of such street or a portion thereof is necessary for the cleaning, repair or construction of the street, or for the installation of underground utilities, or where the use of the street or any portion thereof is authorized for a purpose other than the normal flow of traffic, or where the use of the street or any portion thereof is necessary for the movement of equipment, articles or structures of unusual size, and the parking of such vehicle would prohibit or interfere with such use or movement; provided, that signs giving notice that such vehicle may be removed are erected or placed at least twenty-four hours prior to removal;

E. When a vehicle is parked or left standing on a highway so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic;

F. When any vehicle is found illegally parked and there are no license plates or other evidence of registration displayed, the vehicle may be impounded until the owner or person in control of the vehicle furnishes evidence of his or her identity and an address within California at which he or she can be located;

G. Whenever any vehicle is parked or left standing where parking is prohibited by ordinance and signs are posted giving notice of authorization for removal.

(Ord. 1500, §§ 1, 2, 1989; Ord. 843, § 7, 1977)

Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in Chapter 1.12 of this Code.

(Ord. 865, § 1, 1978; Ord. 843, § 12, 1977)

A. There is conferred upon the City Manager of the City of Cupertino those powers and duties necessary for the administration of this section. In addition, there is also conferred upon the City Manager the authority to designate such officers and employees of the City, as may be required, to assist him in carrying out the intent and purpose of this section. The person so designated by the City Manager is referred to in this section as the “Hearing Officer.”

B. The Hearing Officer may designate any area to be a temporary parking zone, upon compliance with the application procedure specified in this section, if in his discretion the public benefits of such a designation will outweigh the particular harm caused to affected persons or properties. The size and duration of said zone shall be designed in a manner reasonably limiting any harmful consequences.

C. A temporary parking zone shall be indicated by such appropriate signs, sign covers, or markings as the Hearing Officer may specify. Said signs shall notify the public of the existence of a temporary parking zone, the applicant’s permit number, and of any special provisions designated by the Hearing Officer. The duration of the existence of said zone shall be indicated on the appropriate signs, and unless pursuant to a renewal of the original application, shall not exceed twenty days.

D. Within the area designated as a temporary parking zone, the special provisions indicated on the appropriate signs shall supersede all other parking ordinances and regulations inconsistent therewith, during the time periods indicated on said signs.

E. Any person residing upon or conducting a business upon a parcel of real property within the city limits of the City of Cupertino, may apply to the Hearing Officer for a permit designating a temporary parking zone to exist in the area immediately adjacent to said parcel of real property. Said application shall be made according to the following procedure:

1. An applicant shall submit an application for a temporary parking zone permit to the office of the City Manager a minimum of ten days before the intended designation, containing the following items:

a. Applicant’s name and name of business, if appropriate;

b. Applicant’s telephone number;

c. Applicant’s address;

d. Area to be designated temporary parking zone;

e. Dates and duration of permit, not to exceed twenty days;

f. Special provisions or limitations, if any;

g. A statement of the purpose and/or special event necessitating the designation of a temporary parking zone;

h. A statement of the estimated harmful effects such designation might have upon persons or properties affected thereby;

i. A check in the amount of twenty-five dollars to cover processing and staff investigation costs;

j. A separate check in the amount of fifty dollars, comprising a deposit to insure against the loss of or damage to any signs, sign covers or markings designating said zone, from any cause. The deposit shall be refunded to applicant in the amount that it exceeds actual repair or replacement costs for said signs.

2. Upon receipt of each complete application, the Hearing Officer shall assign a number to it, and review its contents and all relevant circumstances. The inception and termination dates of the zone, its extent, duration, and other special provisions all may be amended to conform to the public interest. As amended, the application may be marked “permitted” or “not permitted,” as appropriate. An application marked “permitted” shall constitute a temporary parking zone permit. All applications shall be retained by the office of the City Manager in an appropriate file.

3. In the event that the date designated on the application for inception of the zone passes without approval or disapproval by the Hearing Officer, the application shall be deemed “not permitted,” and the full amount of both the deposit and the processing fee shall be remitted to the applicant.

4. In the event that the application is disapproved before the desired inception date, the full amount of the deposit shall be remitted to the applicant.

5. In the event that the application is approved, the Hearing Officer shall notify the applicant and shall cause to be installed such appropriate signs, sign covers or markings as shall indicate the existence of the temporary parking zone in accordance with the terms of this section.

6. The Hearing Officer shall, within ten days following the termination of the zone, remove all of said signs. Upon receipt of a proper accounting for those damaged or lost, the Hearing Officer shall refund the proper amount described in subsection (1)(5).

7. Renewal of a permit may be granted by the Hearing Officer upon receipt of a renewal request before termination of the zone, and upon a review of all relevant circumstances, in a manner consistent with the terms of this section.

8. In the event that an application is not approved, the applicant may request a public hearing of the matter at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Cupertino City Council. The City Council, at such hearing, shall hear all relevant circumstances and determine whether the application should be approved.

F. This section is intended to be construed broadly, to effect its purpose of temporarily superseding other parking ordinances and regulations of the City of Cupertino. This section is enacted pursuant to the authority granted by California Vehicle Code Sections 21100(d), 21101, and 21351, as amended, and in no event shall be construed so as to contravene that authority.

(Ord. 903, (part), 1978)

A. Whenever the City Manager or his authorized representative finds and determines that the use of a street or highway, or portion thereof, in the City is necessary for the cleaning or repair of the highway or street, and that the parking or standing of vehicles hereon would prohibit or interfere with such cleaning or repair, he is authorized to erect or place signs, or have signs erected or placed, on such street, highway or portion, in the manner required and subject to the requirements of the Vehicle Code of the State, giving notice that the parking or standing of vehicles upon such street, highway or portion is forbidden, and keep such signs thereon until such cleaning or repair is completed.

B. Upon and after the erection or placing of such signs thereon and until such signs are removed, no person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle shall park such vehicle standing upon the street or highway or portion thereof upon which such signs are erected or placed.

(Ord. 1408, § 1, 1987)

It is unlawful for any vehicle to enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk where “Keep Clear” legends have been painted and signs have been posted, unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or crossing at the far side of the intersection to accommodate the vehicle without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic control signal device indication to proceed.

(Ord. 1416, 1987)