The restrictions apply from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday when school is in session. 

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The Gridley City Council approved new restricted parking zones around Gridley High School aimed at reducing congestion, improving visibility and addressing concerns from nearby residents whose driveways have been blocked by student vehicles.

The restrictions apply from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday when school is in session. They cover both sides of Fairview Drive in the 600 and 900 blocks and the 100 blocks of East Spruce and East Hazel streets west of Fairview Drive. Signs will identify where and when parking is prohibited, officials said. Parking will remain available outside those hours.

Residents near Gridley High School, located at 300 East Spruce St., have long struggled with student traffic on surrounding streets, particularly before classes begin and following dismissal. Police Chief Todd Farr told the council at their Sept. 8 regular meeting that increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic around the high school has created concerns involving congestion, reduced line of sight and access for emergency vehicles. He also pointed to problems for nearby residents, including blocked driveways and fewer available parking spaces.

Farr said students will have other parking options, including school property and an area near the fairgrounds. A gate on the east side of the field between East Spruce and East Hazel streets will provide another access point for student parking, while teachers will use the west side.

Council members questioned how the city would handle students who continue parking along the affected streets once the restrictions take effect. Farr said the police department would ease into enforcement.

“We’ll start out with an educational purpose and give a warning and then we’ll go from there,” Farr said.

The council’s action was taken under provisions of the California Vehicle Code and Gridley Municipal Code that allow the city to limit parking on designated streets during specified hours.

The resolution takes effect immediately, but enforcement will not begin until the required signs are installed, officials said. The zones will then be added to the official list maintained by the City Clerk’s Office and Police Department.

The goal is to create a more orderly environment for students, drivers and neighbors, Farr said.