TO: Chair and Members of the City Traffic Commission
THRU: Larry Tay, Deputy Public Works Director/Traffic Engineer
FROM: Laura Lombardo, Administrative Manager
1. Subject
title
Two-hour time-limited parking in designated sections of the Orange Main Library parking lot.
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2. Summary
Since the introduction of paid parking in Old Towne, the Orange Main Public Library parking lot has experienced noticeably higher demand, largely resulting from non-library patrons utilizing the available free parking. To encourage turnover and help ensure parking availability for library patrons, a 2-hour time-limit is being proposed in designated areas of the library parking lot. The proposed change was developed in consultation with the City’s Community and Library Services Department.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
1. Approve installation of 2-hour parking on the west side of the parking lot at the Orange Main Public Library.
2. Authorize staff to modify the allowable time limit to any interval between 15 minutes up to three hours, based on evolving needs.
3. Adopt Resolution TC-02-2026. A resolution of the Traffic Commission of the City of Orange for the establishment of a 2-hour parking zone in designated areas of the Orange Main Public Library lot and to authorize City staff to modify the time limit of Library parking spaces to any interval between 15 minutes up to three hours.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None. Implementation involves minimal staff time and minimal expenditure that has already been approved in the City’s operation budget.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 5: Improve Infrastructure, Mobility, and Technology.
6. Discussion and Background
Since the introduction of paid parking in the Old Towne Commercial Core, the Orange Main Public Library parking lot (Main Library lot) has experienced increased usage of parking spaces by non-library patrons, resulting in reduced availability for library visitors, particularly during peak operating hours. Library staff and volunteers have reported ongoing challenges with long-term parking, including vehicles remaining on-site for multiple hours or for the entire day. This reduces turnover and limits access for individuals seeking short-term library services such as material pickup, book returns, computer use, and children’s programs.
To address these concerns and improve access for library users, staff evaluated options for implementing time-limited parking in designated areas of the Main Library lot. After reviewing parking demand patterns, on-site observations, and feedback from library personnel in the city’s Community and Library Services Department, staff recommend establishing time limits for the existing parking spaces shown on the attached site sketch. The proposed 2-hour time limit is intended to encourage turnover while still allowing adequate time for typical library visits.
Signage would be installed to clearly identify the designated time-limited spaces and communicate the applicable restrictions. Enforcement would be conducted in coordination with the City’s existing parking control operations, through ACE Parking, LLC. Staff believe that time-limited parking will better align parking availability with the needs of library patrons and improve the overall user experience without placing undue burden on surrounding neighborhoods or adjacent facilities.
If approved, staff will proceed with implementation, including procurement and installation of signage, notification to library users, and coordination with enforcement personnel. Staff will monitor the effectiveness of the time limits and make adjustments as needed. The recommended action also includes authorizing staff to modify parking time limits to any interval between 15 minutes and 3 hours, as future conditions require. Any modifications outside of those parameters would be implemented in accordance with the Orange Municipal Code and, if necessary, brought back to CTC for consideration.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Traffic Commission Resolution No. TC 02-2026
• Site Sketch Map