On February 11, 2025, the Orange City Council adopted Ordinance 02-25, establishing parking meter zones, operations, fees, and procedures for a paid parking program in the Orange Plaza area and directed staff to implement a paid parking program.  This was in response to a City-commissioned  study that evaluated parking inventory and occupancy on the streets and parking lots around the Plaza.  The study indicated that there was a need for a parking solution to limit traffic congestion, visitor frustration, and potential economic suppression.  On June 24, 2025, after seeking formal proposals, the Orange City Council awarded a parking management contract to ACE Parking (ACE).

Over the course of Summer 2025, ACE will be working on setting up the equipment and infrastructure necessary to implement the paid parking program.  The launch of the program is scheduled for early 2026.

The program will encompass infrastructure and implementation, enforcement, and management of paid parking.  Once implemented, the paid parking program will be in effect seven days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm, with hourly parking costs ranging from $1.25 to $2.00 per hour, based on location.  The program will have a mix of on-street and off-street parking, with specific time limits for each area, up to 3 hours.  Additionally, many City-owned lots and the Lemon Street parking structure will remain free and provide a no-cost parking option.  

The City will be providing updates as additional details for the program become available, including parking options for downtown business owners, employees, and residents.