Stricter Rules for Parking in City’s Alleys Under Consideration – Pasadena Now

The City Council's Municipal Services Committee on Tuesday will discuss new parking restrictions in city alleys, potentially impacting Transportation Network Company (TNC) vehicles and food delivery drivers that have increasingly used these spaces as staging areas.

The Department of Transportation has recommended that the City Council direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance amending Section 10.40.140 of the Pasadena Municipal Code. This amendment would provide language allowing for additional parking restrictions in alleys, particularly in areas like Old Pasadena.

The issue first arose before the COVID-19 pandemic when city enforcement staff noticed an uptick in TNC vehicles, such as Uber and Lyft, using alleys as waiting areas. While the pandemic temporarily alleviated these concerns, the problem has resurfaced with the return of pre-pandemic activity levels.

Now, in addition to TNC vehicles, food delivery drivers from services like UberEats, GrubHub, Postmates, and DoorDash are contributing to the congestion, an analysis by the Transportation Department showed. These drivers often stage their vehicles in alleyways near restaurants, sometimes double-parking and obstructing traffic flow.

The current municipal code allows vehicles to park in alleys for up to 20 minutes for loading or unloading materials, requiring drivers to leave at least 10 feet of unobstructed passage. The proposed amendment aims to clarify that the city can enforce parking, stopping, and standing (for vehicles) restrictions in alleys when posted.

City officials believe the new restrictions will improve traffic flow, enhance pedestrian safety, and ensure access to building parking spaces. The Department of Transportation said the proposal aligns with Pasadena's General Plan policies on safe street design and curb-space management.

As to the fiscal impact of the proposed changes, the Department said it estimates a potential increase in parking citation revenue of $1,000 in the 2025 fiscal year, with the amount expected to normalize as compliance improves. The installation of signs and patrols required to enforce the changes are already incorporated in the Parking Division's operating budget.

If approved, the City Attorney would have 60 days to prepare the ordinance amending the municipal code. The proposed changes would allow for the installation of "No Parking in Alley" or "No Stopping in Alley" signs where needed.