Oversized vehicle parking continues to be an issue in Carmel Valley

By Karen Billing

On July 8, San Diego City Council passed an oversize vehicle ordinance preventing large vehicles, such as motor homes and trailers, to be parked overnight on any public street in San Diego. Oversized vehicle parking is a complicated issue that the city has dealt with for a long time and Carmel Valley residents have complained about oversized nuisances before the Carmel Valley Planning Board over the last year on streets such as Quarter Mile Drive and Carmel Vista.

While the ordinance passed, it may take some time before it goes into effect, according to Mo Kantner, a representative for District 1 Council President pro-tem Sherri Lightner. Kantner reported at the Torrey Hills Community Planning Board meeting on July 16 that the ordinance now travels to the Coastal Commission for approval, which could take anywhere from six to 24 months.

According to a report by District 2 Councilman Kevin Faulconer, who led the effort on passing the ordinance, illegally parked oversized vehicles impact public safety as well as quality of life. City residents have reported vehicles parked in front of homes and businesses for weeks or even months taking up parking spaces, blocking views and limiting access to driveways. There is also a public safety concern as residents have reported the dumping of human waste in public streets from illegally parked vehicles

The ordinance prevents large vehicles from parking on city streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. A permitting process is included in the ordinance for residents who wish to park recreational vehicles on their streets while preparing for trips for up to 24 hours. No more than 72 permits could be issued to any one address in a calendar year and permits could not be issued for consecutive periods longer than 72 hours. The suggested fee is $1 per 24 hour permit.

Violations would come with a $100 fine.

City Council passed the ordinance with a 6-2 vote, with Lightner representing one of the two votes against it.