SD city council says no to selling cars on certain streets

Parking vehicles along sections of certain streets in San Diego for the purpose of selling them will be prohibited under an ordinance unanimously approved Tuesday by the San Diego City Council.

The law was prompted by concerns from residents who say some streets in their neighborhoods are being used as used car dealerships.

Councilman Brian Maienschein said the problem has become particularly acute in his district along Rancho Bernardo Road.

“It’s gotten so bad now that there is a solid line of cars on both sides of the street,’’ Maienschein said.

“Some of these streets turn into essentially used car lots,’’ he said.

“These cars are not only an eyesore, but it becomes a public safety issue.’’

Maienschein said the parked cars create a hazard for drivers and pedestrians who stop and look at what’s for sale.

“We’ve seen a lot of near-misses,’’ he said. “Frankly, I think it’s just a matter of time on some of these streets before someone is hit and killed.’’

Under the new law, police will now be able to cite owners who park their cars along certain streets to sell them.

Portions of more than two dozen city streets will be affected, including Midway Drive, Rosecrans Street, Sports Arena Boulevard, 33rd Street, Adams Avenue, El Cajon Boulevard, Home Avenue, Meade Avenue, University Avenue, Wightman Street, Euclid Avenue, Cardiff, Logan Avenue, Bernardo Center Drive, Paseo Lucido, Rancho Bernardo Road, Stoney Peak Drive, Boyd Avenue, Clairemont Avenue, Convoy Street, Moraga Avenue and Morena Boulevard.

The City Council approved $58,920 to install signs in areas where it will now be illegal to park vehicles for sale.

Officials told the City Council that other streets can be added to the law if new problem areas arise.