The City of Sacramento says someone is using red paint to create their own no-parking zones along city streets.
Residents in the Curtis Park neighborhood first noticed the markings several months ago, though they initially believed them to be official.
Savorian Smith, who lives on Second Avenue, spotted one outside her home.
“Somebody had the nerve to do it without permission,” she said.
Chris Browder also saw the red paint.
“It appeared they were there to alert people that you’re not supposed to park there,” he said.
Once city officials learned of the unauthorized zones, crews covered the red paint with gray paint.
But the markings may have highlighted legitimate no-parking areas. A new traffic safety law that took effect in January 2025 established a 20-foot no-parking buffer near crosswalks, intended to improve visibility for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.
Each of the painted red zones fell within those 20-foot areas, according to the city. Drivers could still receive citations for parking there, regardless of curb color.
A city spokesperson said the city asks residents not to paint curbs or make other modifications within the public right-of-way on their own, noting that unauthorized changes can create confusion and may conflict with established traffic control standards or planned improvements.
The city declined to answer questions about why the red curbs were removed or whether parking remains illegal in those areas.
Browder said he understood the motivation behind the markings.
“I understand the sentiment, and maybe I appreciate it some, but vigilanteism doesn’t really do us any good,” he said.
City officials said they lack the funding to immediately paint every qualifying curb near crosswalks. The city is adding the markings through new transportation projects and as resources allow.