A combination of more people owning cars and sharing homes, outdated parking requirements and the use of city streets as unofficial used car lots have created a parking mess in Anaheim city officials say they’re trying to fix.

Changes are proposed for permit parking districts, over-sized vehicles and the parking of cars for sale. The city will hold a March 13 town hall meeting on parking and is gathering residents’ input on the rules through March 19 before a City Council vote later this month.

In Anaheim’s mix of densely packed apartments and single-family neighborhoods, some streets have been granted permit-only parking that keeps non-residents out, Councilman James Vanderbilt said. But that can simply push the problem a few blocks away, and not everyone parking on someone else’s street is considerate, with some making late-night noise or leaving trash behind.

Large vehicles such as RVs and cars with sale signs in the windows are also a frequent source of complaints. The city bans parking for longer than 72 hours, Vanderbilt said, but drivers can get around that by moving the vehicle a few feet to a new spot, making enforcement difficult.

“It’s more than just an annoyance. It’s really unfair when (residents) can’t park anywhere,” he said.

To combat those problems, city officials are proposing:

Streamlining the process to apply for permit-only status; all city public streets would be eligible to apply – the $30-per-two-year permit cost will not change

Allotting permits based on the number of bedrooms instead of whether a home is single- or multi-family

Expanding the definition of oversized vehicles that may not park on public streets

Banning the parking of cars for sale on dozens of specified streets, including major arterial routes such as Beach and Harbor boulevards and Brookhurst Street

Stepping up enforcement as needed to ensure the new rules are followed

Residents can weigh in on the proposed changes through an online survey, email or at the town hall meeting.

Vanderbilt said although increased parking restrictions may cause some inconvenience, such as having to get guest permits for a party or special event, the new rules are “the best option right now,” and finding a policy that pleases everyone may not be realistic.

Parking problems

Anaheim officials have drafted new rules to address complaints about a lack of parking on city streets.

Learn: Read about the proposed parking rule changes at anaheim.net/permit parking.

Respond: Residents can give feedback at a town hall meeting, through an online survey or by emailing PermitParking@anaheim.net.

When: The meeting on parking issues will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, in the council chambers at Anaheim City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.

Next step: The Anaheim City Council will vote on the parking changes March 27.