The City of Commerce has launched a Residential Parking “T” Pilot Program to improve curb parking organization, safety, and efficiency in selected neighborhoods. The program was approved by the City Council on January 13, 2026, and will be evaluated over a one-year period to determine whether it should be expanded citywide. 

Parking “T’s” are painted white curbside markings shaped like a “T” that define individual parallel parking spaces along residential streets. These markings help:

• Maximized Parking Efficiency: Parking "T's" ensure vehicles are parked in an organized manner, allowing the greatest possible number of cars to use available street parking.
• Improved Clarity: Clear markings provide drivers with visual guidance, reducing confusion and parking-related conflicts.
• Maintained Traffic Flow: Organized parking helps keep streets navigable and minimizes obstructions to traffic.

Under California MUTCD Section 3B.19, parking space markings may be used where it is desirable to organize curb parking, improve efficiency, or reduce conflicts. When used, markings must be white and should not interfere with driveways, hydrants, traffic control devices, or visibility requirements.

City Council directed staff to develop a pilot program following an August 2025 presentation and evaluation of existing parking conditions. The one-year pilot allows the City to:

• Improve parking efficiency
• Reduce blocked driveways
• Improve safety and visibility
• Evaluate potential expansion to other neighborhoods

Staff will document parking availability, occupancy, turnover, and resident feedback before returning to City Council with findings and recommendations.

As part of the one-year pilot, Parking “T” markings will be installed on:

• Triggs Street — from S. Marianna Ave to S. McDonnell Ave
• S. Duncan Avenue — from Noakes St to the north cul-de-sac
• Sydney Drive — from Noakes St to Triggs St

Organized Curb Parking

Clear markings help drivers park uniformly, reducing uneven spacing and minimizing blocked driveways or encroachment into travel lanes.

Improved Safety

Consistent parking improves visibility and navigation on narrow streets and provides clearer sight lines when exiting driveways.

Potentially Increased Parking Supply

Standardized spacing can allow streets to accommodate more vehicles compared with unmarked parking.

Reduced Parking Disputes

Defined spaces reduce confusion about where one vehicle’s space ends and another begins.

Traffic-Calming Effect

Defined parking edges can create the visual impression of a narrower roadway, which may encourage drivers to travel at slower, safer speeds on residential streets and enhance overall neighborhood safety.

• Streets with closely spaced driveways may experience fewer total parking spaces after striping.
• Vehicles not parked within the marked “T” spaces may be subject to citation, following a four-week warning period at program start.

Residents and visitors should:

• Park fully within the “T” markings
• Avoid blocking driveways
• Follow posted parking signs
• Avoid double-parking or straddling spaces

Improperly parked vehicles may receive citations. Residents are encouraged to watch this brief video before the start of the pilot program to ensure proper parking and avoid potential citations.

After one year of monitoring, staff will return to the City Council with:

• Performance data
• Resident feedback
• Recommendations regarding broader implementation

For more information, please refer to the program brochure or contact Public Works.