By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council voted Wednesday 3-2 against implementing parking violation fines in Citrus Heights that were proposed in light of California’s new “Daylighting” law.
Assembly Bill 413, passed in October 2023, requires that drivers refrain from stopping, parking, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. In January 2024, local jurisdictions were able to begin enforcing the law, including issuing warnings or citations, regardless of existing markings or signage. However, according to city staff, only two other cities within Sacramento County have previously established parking violation fines specifically addressing Ab 413 regulations.
The city, in cooperation with the Citrus Heights Police Department, brought forth a proposal to add a $62.50 fine for drivers who are found to be in violation of the Daylighting law, which is consistent with other similar parking violations listed in the city’s municipal code. Galt has a $45 parking violation fee, and the city of Sacramento has established a $25 fee, according to the staff report.
Several city council members expressed concern regarding the full parameters of the Daylighting law, which would prohibit drivers from parking in front of their own property if their house resides on a street corner, as the new law requires drivers to park at least 20 feet away from unmarked intersections.
Councilmember Porscha Middleton emphasized that residential neighborhoods near schools tend to become congested with parked cars that block corners, preventing both pedestrians and other drivers from being able to see who’s around the corner.
Vice Mayor Marijane Lopez-Taff said she has witnessed congested parking on residential streets, but added that she owns a corner house and is personally mindful toward her fellow neighbors when choosing where to park. Lopez-Taff favored establishing a tiered system of fee structure because she felt the fine would be “overly punitive” as is for those parking on residential streets.
City Manager Ash Feeney and Citrus Heights Police Lieutenant William Dunning mentioned that streets near parks or any area that sees more pedestrian foot traffic pose a concern. The city said the purpose of the bill is to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety and prevent cars from obstructing visibility due to parking close to intersections.
Councilmember Kelsey Nelson favored keeping the law unchanged, noting that residents living on quiet corners could still apply for a variance.”
Councilmember Kelsey Nelson favored keeping the law unchanged, noting that residents living on quiet corners could still apply for a variance.”
Councilmember Kelsey Nelson favored keeping the law unchanged, noting that residents living on quiet corners could still apply for a variance.”
Councilmember Kelsey Nelson favored keeping the law unchanged, noting that residents living on quiet corners could still apply for a variance.”
Councilmember Kelsey Nelson favored keeping the law unchanged, noting that residents living on quiet corners could still apply for a variance.”
Councilmember Kelsey Nelson favored keeping the law unchanged, suggesting that residents living on “quiet corners” could still apply for a variance.
Nelson made a motion to approve, and the council voted three to two against passing the proposed parking violation fine schedule, with Middleton and Nelson in favor and Lopez-Taff, Mayor Jayna Karpinskio-Costa, and Councilmember Tim Schaefer voting against.
The city agreed to revise the specifics of the language of the parking violation and plans to bring back a revised version to the council for approval at a later date.
