SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Revise Considered for Condo Parking Plan

The City Council is scheduled tonight to consider revising a controversial overnight parking permit program for an 810-unit condominium complex.

The council approved the program late last year to address concerns about a shortage of street parking at the Capistrano Villas. The program went into effect in February.

Jennifer Murray, an assistant to the city manager, said that the council will be asked to clarify what is required for residents to receive additional permits beyond their basic allotment.

Residents in the complex with a one-car garage are allowed two permits; those with a two-car garage are allowed one permit.

Beyond that, residents are asked to provide certain documentation, showing they need more permits before they will be issued.

A parking board of appeal, which is made up of Capistrano Villas residents who own and occupy their condominiums, hears requests for more permits. The city has contracted with the Community Counseling Center to issue the permits.

Since the program was started, residents from 38 units have been given additional permits, Murray said.

Despite the new program, Murray said that residents from one part of the complex have complained they still have trouble finding street parking after dusk.

Latino residents have expressed concerns that the program unfairly targets them because some Latino households have several vehicles.