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.  This was in response to a City-commissioned  study that evaluated parking inventory and occupancy on the streets and parking lots around the Plaza.  Paid parking helps increase turnover so customers can park when they need to.  It also reduces circling and congestion and supports downtown vitality by improving parking availability.

The paid parking program will start on February 9, 2026 at 9am.  Paid parking will be in effect 7 days per week from 9am to 6pm, including holidays.  Before 9am and after 6pm, parking will be free.

Parking rates and hours are in effect seven days a week.  Parking is free before 9am and after 6pm every day.  From 9am to 6pm metered paid parking will be in effect.  For free parking options, see Old Towne Free Parking Map.

In accordance with state law, those with a valid state-issued disabled placards or plates will be exempt from paid parking meter fees and time limitations.  Please make sure your placard or plates are clearly displayed while parked.

You may add more time to your parking up to the posted time limit for the area where you parked.  This can be done at the parking kiosk or through your phone. 

No. Parking time limits are set to encourage vehicle turnover in retail and high-demand areas. You cannot stay beyond the posted limit.  Paid City lots have a 3-hour time limit, while paid on-street parking has a 2-hour time limit.   

Parking costs will vary by location and proximity to the traffic circle in the Orange Plaza. On-street parking will cost between $1.50 and $2.00 per hour, depending on location.  Paid City parking lots will cost $1.25 per hour to park.

Rates vary by location but not by time of day.  Please refer to parking rates listed below:

Parking Rates

Yes, paid parking will be in effect on holidays.

Yes! Public transit is always encouraged.  Both the Metrolink and Amtrak stop at the Orange train stations.  OC Bus also has routes that run through downtown Orange.

Yes, there are bike racks at various locations throughout the Plaza as well as at the Lemon Street Parking Garage and the Orange train station.

It depends.  If your pick-up is before 9am or after 6pm you will not have to pay.  For those picking up food or coffee between 9am and 6pm, you will have to pay for parking. 

Local businesses in the paid corridor are encouraged to utilize free public parking lots but can also pay for parking in any of the paid spaces.  There are more than 1,000 free spaces available in the Plaza area.

You can pay for parking by using one of our parking kiosks using cards, coins, tap-to-pay, and mobile wallet.  We also offer mobile payment options through the Park Mobile app and text-to pay.  Signage for mobile options including the Park Mobile app and text to pay will be posted throughout the Plaza for easy accessibility.

No, you will not need to display a receipt or ticket on your dashboard to verify payment.  Our paid parking system is enforced through license plate reader (LPR) Technology.  When you pay, you will be asked to enter your license plate number, and your parking will be verified that way.

No, residential permits are only valid in the areas approved for your specific permit.

Paid parking will be enforced on a daily basis.  The City has contracted with ACE Parking for management and enforcement of the paid parking program. 

Generally, paid parking will be suspended for special events that require full closure of the Plaza.  This is subject to change in the future based on annual City Council approval. 

A meter is typically only considered broken if it cannot accept any form of payment (e.g., neither coins nor credit cards). If one method is working, you must use it. If all payment methods are unavailable, follow the instructions on nearby signage or contact the relevant city parking authority.