Parking problems in Fair Oaks are pitting an assisted living facility against a neighboring homeowners' assocation.

Staff and guests at Sunrise Assisted Living are being accused by nearby residents of turning Sunset Avenue into a parking lot. The center is located at the corner of Hazel and Sunset avenues.

Homeowners called Call 3 Problem Solvers in an effort to find a solution.

One of the big unknowns in this case is whether it is legal or not for people to park on Sunset Avenue and obstruct a bike lane.

Michael Sylvestre, president of the homeowners' group, said the parked cars create blind spots for folks trying to back vehicles out of their driveways and on to busy Sunset Avenue.

Sylvestre said the problem is an accident waiting to happen.

Problem Solvers visited the area and saw vehicles making illegal U-turns and illegally crossing the street to get to and from the care home.

Employees and guests used to park in spaces in a strip mall across the street, until the strip mall posted signs to keep them out.

Transportation officials said they plan to post "No Parking" signs on the street in front of the strip mall and to meet with homeowners to discuss a parking plan.

The end result may include no parking on Sunset Avenue, no parking for specific days and hours or parking for residents only.

Meanwhile, an official at the assisted living center told Problem Solvers that the facility does not have enough parking.

The direct said he is looking at other options to accomodate workers and residents' families. One solution may include leasing spots at the strip mall or buying vacant land next door.