Citywide Parking Study

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About

The City of Hawthorne is launching a comprehensive Citywide Parking Study to better understand and address the growing parking challenges across our community. As Hawthorne continues to evolve—with increasing population density, multi-generational households, and a thriving business and tech sector—the demand for parking has outpaced supply in many areas.

This study is a collaborative effort between the City and a team of experienced parking consultants to evaluate how parking is currently used and how it can be improved. From residential neighborhoods to bustling commercial corridors, we’re taking a close look at how parking impacts daily life for residents, visitors, and commuters.

Key issues being explored include:

Key Issues - Citywide Parking Study

Key project goals and objectives include:

We invite you to be part of the conversation. Your input will help shape solutions that work for everyone in Hawthorne!

Project Timeline

Announcements

Citywide Parking Study Update

Understanding Hawthorne’s Parking System

As part of the Citywide Parking Study, we began by taking a close look at how parking works across Hawthorne today. This included mapping over 23,000 publicly accessible on-street parking spaces, reviewing signage, and studying how parking is used throughout the day.

We focused on key areas like Hawthorne Boulevard, Jack Northrop Avenue, and several major public lots. These locations were chosen because they serve a mix of residents, businesses, and commuters—and often experience the most parking pressure. We also considered recent state laws, like AB 413, which affect how curb space can be used near crosswalks. The map below shows the locations evaluated as part of the study.

Our occupancy study revealed clear patterns in parking demand. For example, Hawthorne Boulevard sees peak usage during midday hours near retail and business centers, while Jack Northrop Avenue fills up during shift changes at nearby employers. Some surface lots are busiest on weekends, while others serve destinations beyond parks. These trends are shown in our time-of-day occupancy graphs, which help us understand when and where parking is most needed.

This data is helping the City explore smarter ways to manage parking—making it easier to find a space, reducing congestion, and supporting a vibrant community for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Pilot Program Recommendations

Based on parking data, input from City staff, and best practices from nearby communities, the City is exploring a pilot paid parking program in select areas. The goal is to improve parking availability and turnover—especially in busy corridors and lots—while supporting local businesses and making parking more convenient for residents and visitors.

While ideas like time limits, paid parking, and mobile payment options are being considered, final decisions are still under review. Some areas may offer free short-term parking, and free parking will remain available at each park’s lot to ensure continued access for families and recreational users. Community feedback will play a key role in shaping the final approach.

To implement the Pilot Program, the City plans to collaborate with a professional parking management firm to supply technology, enforcement, and maintenance services. This includes upgrading enforcement technology to license plate readers to achieve accurate and consistent parking enforcement. The appointed parking management firm will coordinate with the City to establish a unified and user-friendly parking system for Hawthorne.

Presentations

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas will be affected by the project?

The pilot program will focus on select corridors and City-owned surface lots throughout Hawthorne, including the following:

Hawthorne Boulevard from El Segundo Boulevard to Rosecrans Avenue
Jack Northrop Avenue from Prairie Avenue to Crenshaw Boulevard
129^th Street Lot
130^th Street Lot
Jim Thorpe Park Lot
Memorial Park (North)

The goal is to test new parking strategies in areas with high demand and gather feedback before considering broader implementation.

How long will the pilot program last?

How will the project impact me?

Residents: As of now, residential on-street parking will not be affected. Residents parking in any of the selected off-street lots with a valid permit will be grandfathered into any proposed permit changes to the lots. As this project continues, changes to on-street residential permit parking will be evaluated. Check back for more information

Businesses: Businesses nearby pilot program areas can purchase or direct their employees to purchase permitted parking in those locations, as available. Along Hawthorne Boulevard, employees will be directed to parking along the medians to allow for more customer parking availability along the curb space. The City is also exploring validation options for businesses surrounding these pilot areas. More details on employee permit parking and business validations will be posted here in the coming weeks.

How will I pay for parking?

The pay stations will accept credit/debit cards, contactless payments such as Apple and Google Pay, and coins. There will also be a mobile payment app you can use from your mobile device to pay online to start or extend your parking session.

How will I get a permit?

It is anticipated that permits for residents and employees will be available virtually. No physical credential will be required, only your vehicle’s license plate. You will be able to buy a parking permit from any internet enabled device by registering your vehicle’s license plate in the parking permit system. No more lost or misplaced permits, and you can change the vehicle(s) needing a permit at any time.

I can’t find parking on my street when I live. Will this project help with that issue?

One of the areas of concern we plan to address is the residential permit parking program for the city. We want your help in identifying neighborhoods and blocks where residents have difficulty finding parking. The survey is designed to allow you to identify your block as in need of residential permit parking.

Residential Permit Parking programs have been successful in reducing spillover parking impacts, encouraging residents to make use of their off street parking in garages and driveways, and discouraging parking by non-residents.

How will the City use generated funds from the new parking system?

Revenue from the pilot program will be used to support parking management, enforcement, and improvements to local transportation and public spaces. The City is committed to reinvesting funds to benefit the community.

Will any parking ordinances, policies, and enforcement regulations be changed?

The City Council is exploring new parking ordinances, policies, and enforcement practices as part of the pilot program. Any changes will be communicated clearly to the public, and there will be a grace period to help everyone adjust.

How can I get involved or leave feedback? (include any forms, contacts, planned events or council meetings)

You can participate by taking our online survey, attending community outreach events, or joining a focus group (see the “We Want to Hear From You Section”). Feedback forms and contact information are available on this website, and upcoming events will be posted regularly. Your input is vital to shaping the future of parking in Hawthorne!

We Want to Hear From You!

Hawthorne, CA