San Diego Municipal Code § 86.0139 Prohibition of Parking of Oversized Vehicles, Non-Motorized Vehicles, and

(Renumbered from Division 0 to Division 1, and added Division titled to “General Parking Regulations” on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.) (Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.) (Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.)

[Editors Note: Sunset Provision for Sections 86.0139, 86.0140, 86.0141, 86.0142, 86.0143, and 86.0144 have been repealed by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.]

The parking meter and time restrictions imposed under or pursuant to the authority of this Article shall not apply on the calendar dates on which New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, are celebrated. The City Council may however, by resolution or ordinance, prohibit or limit parking on any street during all or certain hours of any day and any limitation or prohibition shall be effective only when appropriate signs giving adequate notice thereof are erected or placed upon such street. (Renumbered from former Section 86.01 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

No person shall park, stand or stop any vehicle unless both right wheels are within eighteen inches (18”) of the curb or edge of the street, subject, however, to the provisions of Sections 86.0102(a) and 86.0104. When lines indicating parking stalls are designated on the surface of a street, no person shall park, stand, or stop any vehicle unless such vehicle is entirely within the limits of such parking stall. (Renumbered from former Section 86.02 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.)

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§86.0102(a) Exception The provisions of Section 86.02 shall not apply to a duly licensed commercial passenger bus if the variations from the requirements of said section are reasonably necessary to accomplish the loading or unloading of passengers on or from such vehicle for a period of time necessary to accomplish said loading or unloading of passengers. (Renumbered from former Section 86.02.2 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

The City Council may by Resolution permit parking of vehicles adjacent to and within 18 inches of the left–hand curb of a one– way street. No person shall park a vehicle on such one–way street with the vehicle facing in a direction other than in the permitted direction of travel. (Renumbered from former Section 86.02.1 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

(a) The City Council may, by resolution, install or remove angle parking on any street. The City Manager is authorized to modify angle parking without City Council approval.

(b) The City Council shall, by resolution, establish and adopt standards and
procedures for the installation or removal of angle parking by the City
Manager, which shall be known as the Angle Parking Standards.

(1) The City Manager may amend the Angle Parking Standards as
necessary to comply with revisions to local, state, or federal law. All
other changes to the Angle Parking Standards must be approved by
City Council.

(2) A copy of the Angle Parking Standards shall be on file in the office of
the City Clerk.

(c) The City Manager may install angle parking on any street without City
Council approval provided that:

(1) the proposed angle parking complies with the Angle Parking
Standards;

(2) a majority of affected property owners and tenants do not object to the
proposed angle parking; and

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(3) a City-recognized community parking district or Business
Improvement District, having some or all of the proposed angle
parking within its geographical area of responsibility, does not object
to the proposed angle parking.

(d) The City Manager may remove existing angle parking on any street without
City Council approval provided that:

(1) the existing angle parking conflicts with the Angle Parking Standards;
and

(2) a City-recognized Community Parking District or Business
Improvement District, having some or all of the existing angle parking
within its geographical area of responsibility, does not object to the
removal of the angle parking.

(e) A written petition may be submitted to the City Manager that demonstrates
approval for the proposed installation or removal of angle parking from:

(1) a majority of affected property owners and tenants; and

(2) all City-recognized community parking districts and Business
Improvement Districts, having some or all of the proposed or existing
angle parking within their geographical area of responsibility.

(f) For the purposes of this section, affected property owners and tenants are those property owners and tenants adjacent to the proposed angle parking or the existing angle parking, on both sides of the segment of the street.

(g) At least 30 calendar days prior to installing angle parking without City
Council approval, the City Manager shall provide notice in accordance with
Municipal Code section 11.0301 to affected property owners and tenants, and
all City-recognized Community Parking Districts, community planning
groups, and Business Improvement Districts, having some or all of the
proposed or existing angle parking within their geographical area of
responsibility.

(h) At least 30 calendar days prior to removing angle parking without City
Council approval, the City Manager shall provide notice in accordance with
Municipal Code section 11.0301 to all City-recognized Community Parking
Districts, community planning groups, and Business Improvement Districts,
having some or all of the proposed or existing angle parking within their
geographical area of responsibility.

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(i) The notice shall specify the segment of street proposed for the installation or
removal of angle parking and describe the proposed changes to parking.
The notice may include the date of the next public meeting of, and contact
information for, all City-recognized Community Parking Districts, community
planning groups, and Business Improvement Districts, having some or all of
the proposed or existing angle parking within their geographical area of
responsibility.

(j) Objections to the installation or removal of angle parking shall be in writing
and shall include the phrase “objection to angle parking” in the subject line or
title of the document.

(k) If the City Manager receives a written objection to the installation of angle parking within 30 calendar days of notice from a majority of affected property owners and tenants, the City Manager shall not install angle parking without City Council approval. If the City Manager receives a written objection to the installation or removal of angle parking from a City-recognized Community Parking District, or Business Improvement District, having some or all of the proposed or existing angle parking within its geographical area of responsibility, the City Manager shall not install or remove angle parking without City Council approval.

(l) The notice requirement and objection period shall not apply if the City
Manager receives a written petition as described in section (e) or if installation
or removal of angle parking is part of a City Capital Improvement Project, or
if the removal of angle parking is required for the City to comply with state
laws.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.03 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)
(Amended 6-21-2017 by O-20835 N.S.; effective 7-21-2017.)
(Amended 10-12-2022 by O-21546 N.S.; effective 11-11-2022.)
(Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

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(a) Notwithstanding Municipal Code section 86.0101, no person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in any “Passenger Loading Zone” for a period of time longer than is necessary for the active loading or unloading of passengers and baggage; provided that such loading or unloading shall not consume more than three minutes, except in front of hotels where such loading or unloading shall not consume more than ten minutes.

(b) Passenger Loading Zones shall be operative 24 hours a day (Sundays and
holidays included); provided, however, that the City Manager may determine
and declare limited periods during which any “Passenger Loading Zone” shall
be operative, and such limited operative period shall be effective when
appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.03.1 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)
(Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

The City Manager is authorized to determine the parking time limit on any designated street or portion thereof, and any property or parking lots owned, leased, or operated by the City. Such limitations shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon such street, property, or parking lot. (Renumbered from former Section 86.04 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 8-25-2015 by O-20560 N.S.; effective 9-24-2015.) (Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

The City Council may by resolution prohibit the parking or standing of vehicles on any street or portion thereof between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. and authorize the removal of any vehicles so parked or standing from such street under or pursuant to Section 82.30. (Renumbered from former Section 86.05 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20659 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.)

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The City Manager is hereby authorized to determine the location of Loading Zones, Passenger Loading Zones, Bus Loading Zones, Taxi Zones, prohibited Standing or Parking Zones, Time-Limited Parking Zones of 30 Minutes or Less, Time-Limited Parking Zones for Ballpark Event Residential Permit Parking Districts, Safety Zones, Disabled Persons Parking Zones, Alley Parking Zones, Consular Parking Zones, Street Sweeping Zones, Pedicab Resting Zones, Pedicab Parking Zones, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Zones, and Car Share Parking Zones. Such zones shall be effective when appropriate signs or curb markings giving notice thereof are erected upon such zones. (Renumbered from former Section 86.06 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 1-30-2014 by O-20338 N.S.; effective 3-1-2014.) (Amended 8-25-2015 by O-20560 N.S.; effective 9-24-2015.)

The Chief of Police is authorized to erect or place temporary “No Parking” signs on streets or portions thereof: (a) Where such street is undergoing repairs, construction or the installation of underground utilities; or, (b) Where the use of such street is authorized for purposes other than the normal flow of traffic; or, (c) Where such street is being used for the movement of equipment, articles or structures of unusual size. Such temporary “No Parking” signs shall be erected or placed at least 24 hours prior to the removal of any vehicles under or pursuant to Section 81.09. (Renumbered from former Section 86.07 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

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(a) The City Manager may prohibit the parking or standing of any vehicle backed into the curb or headed into the curb on any street. Such prohibition shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon such street.

(b) No person shall park or stand a vehicle backed into the curb or headed into the
curb in such a fashion as to use more than one-third the width of any through
street or street in any business district, nor to leave less than 20 feet of open
traffic way for passing vehicles. The provisions of this section 86.0110(b)
shall not apply to areas designated for angle parking under the provisions of
this Article, provided that vehicles parked or stopped in angle parking areas
shall not project or intrude into the street beyond vehicles parked in the angle
parking.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.08 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)
(Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

No person driving, or in control of, or in charge of, a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand on any highway unattended when upon any grade exceeding three percent without blocking the wheels of the vehicle by turning the front wheels diagonally against the adjacent curb so as to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the grade. (Renumbered from former Section 86.08.1 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

No person shall park or stand a vehicle:

(a) Within fifty (50) feet in advance of a Stop sign, Yield sign, traffic signal, or
marked crosswalk when appropriate signs or markings are in place prohibiting
such parking or standing of the vehicle.

(b) Within fifty (50) feet of the prolongation of an intersecting roadway curb or
pavement edge when appropriate signs or markings are in place, except buses
at a designated bus zone.

(c) In any designated taxicab zone, except properly licensed taxicabs.

(d) In such a manner as to obstruct the free use of the street.

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(e) In violation of any sign or curb marking limiting or regulating the parking or
standing of a vehicle.

(f) In violation of any sign or red curb marking prohibiting the parking or
standing of a vehicle.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.09 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)

No person shall park a vehicle in a private driveway or on private property without the direct or implied consent of the owner or person in lawful possession of such driveway or property. (Renumbered from former Section 86.09.1 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

No person shall park or stand any vehicle in a Disabled Persons Parking Zone unless the operator or the passenger being transported by said vehicle, is physically disabled and the vehicle displays a license issued under the provisions of Section 9105 or Section 22511.5 of the California Vehicle Code. Disabled Persons Parking Zones shall be operative twenty–four (24) hours a day (Sundays and holidays included); provided, however, that the City Manager may determine and declare limited periods during which any Disabled Persons Parking Zone shall be operative, and such limited operative period shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected. (Renumbered from former Section 86.09.2 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

No person shall stop or stand any vehicle in a “Consular Parking Zone” unless the person is a consular officer or employee in a consulate and the vehicle displays a distinguishing consular license plate. Consular Parking Zones shall be operative twenty–four (24) hours a day (Sundays and holidays included); provided, however, that the City Manager may determine and declare limited periods during which any “Consular Parking Zone” shall be operative, and such limited operative period shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected. (Renumbered from former Section 86.09.3 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

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It is unlawful to park or leave standing any vehicle on public or private property in a Fire Apparatus Access Roadway at any time. (Renumbered from former Section 86.09.4, and amended 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

Times No person shall park or stand any vehicle in a designated “Street Sweeping Zone”, established pursuant to San Diego Municipal Code Section 86.06 and Section 22507.6 of the California Vehicle Code. Street Sweeping Zones shall be operative during days and times determined by the City Manager. The operative days and times shall be posted on the appropriate signs erected pursuant to Section 86.06. (Renumbered from former Section 86.09.5 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

No person shall park or cause to be parked or allow to remain standing any vehicle upon any street or highway in excess of seventy–two (72) consecutive hours. (Renumbered from former Section 86.09.6 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

Only vehicles registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles as commercial vehicles shall stop, stand, or park in a Commercial Loading Zone for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers, materials, goods, or merchandise. Such loading or unloading shall not consume more than three minutes for passengers nor more than 20 minutes for materials, goods or merchandise.

Commercial Loading Zones shall be operative between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
excepting holidays; provided, however, that the City Manager may determine and
declare other hours during which any Commercial Loading Zone shall be operative,
and such operative period shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice
thereof are erected upon such street.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.10 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)
(Retitled from “Stopping or Standing in Loading Zones” to “Stopping or Standing in
Commercial Loading Zones” and amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective
7-18-2025.)

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It shall be unlawful for any vehicle to stop, stand, or park in any bus loading zone, except public transit buses operated within the City. (Renumbered from former Section 86.10.2 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Retitled from “Same — Bus Loading Zone” to “Bus Loading Zone” and amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

Except in Alley Parking Zones as designated and posted under Municipal Code section 86.0108, no person shall stop or stand any vehicle in an alley for a period of time longer than is necessary for the active loading or unloading of passengers or materials. Such loading or unloading shall not consume more than three minutes for passengers nor more than 20 minutes for materials. No person shall stop or stand any vehicle in an alley in such a manner that would prevent the passage of emergency vehicles. (Renumbered from former Section 86.10.3 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

Between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays included, it shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle, other than a sightseeing bus, to stop, leave standing, or park said vehicle in any sightseeing bus zone. (Renumbered from former Section 86.10.4, and amended 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

(a) It is the intent of the City Council to establish criteria to manage on-street parking utilization and recover at least a portion of the estimated reasonable costs to the City for parking regulation, management, and traffic control impacting the parking of vehicles within parking meter zones. The City Manager or City Council will consider the following criteria when establishing parking meter rates: parking occupancy, utilization, parking space turnover, and daily, weekly, and seasonal fluctuations in parking demand. Utilization refers to the amount of time that vehicles occupy a parking meter space during the allowed hours of operation of the parking meter.

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(b) All parking meter rates previously established shall be and remain in effect,
unless otherwise set or adjusted by the City Manager or City Council as
prescribed in this section 86.0123(b). Under the authority of California
Vehicle Code section 22508, the City Council establishes a range of hourly
parking meter rates from $1.00 up to $20.00. Within the range established by
City Council, the City Manager shall set and may adjust the rate of a parking
meter based upon parking occupancy, utilization parking space turnover, and
demand fluctuations as set forth in Council Policy No. 200-04.

(c) When any vehicle is parked in any space alongside of or next to a single-space
parking meter which is located in accordance with Chapter 8, or when any
vehicle is parked in any space or zone adjacent to which a multi-space parking
meter is located in accordance with Chapter 8, the operator of the vehicle
shall, upon entering the parking space or zone, immediately cause to be
deposited coins in the appropriate denomination, or otherwise immediately
purchase time using an approved method of payment, according to the time
interval desired within the maximum limit and the posted parking rates.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.11 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)
(Amended 8-25-2015 by O-20560 N.S.; effective 9-24-2015.)
(Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

(a) The City Manager shall have lines or markings painted or placed upon the curb or upon the street near each single-space parking meter for the purpose of designating the parking space for which the parking meter is to be used, and each vehicle parking alongside of or next to any single-space parking meter shall park within the lines or markings so established, and the City Manager shall have lines or markings painted or placed upon the curb or upon the street in any parking meter zone that is controlled by a multi-space parking meter that does not produce a receipt to be used by the parking user as proof of valid parking as described in Municipal Code section 86.0126.

(b) No person shall park any vehicle across any line or marking or park said
vehicle in such position that the same shall not be entirely within the area so
designated by such lines or markings.

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(c) When a parking space in any parking meter zone is parallel to the adjacent
curb or sidewalk, including floating parking, any vehicle parked in such
parking space shall be parked so that the foremost part of such vehicle shall be
alongside of and nearest the parking meter except where the single or multi-
space parking meter is mounted to the rear of the parking space, in which
case, any vehicle parked in such parking space shall be parked so that the
rearmost part of such vehicle shall be alongside of and nearest the single-
space or multi-space parking meter.

(d) When a parking space in any parking meter zone is diagonal to the curb or
sidewalk, including floating parking, any vehicle parked in such parking space
shall be parked with the foremost part of such vehicle directly at and nearest
to such single-space or multi-space meter except where the single-space or
multi-space parking meter is mounted to the rear of the parking space, in
which case, any vehicle parked in such parking space shall be parked so that
the rearmost part of such vehicle shall be nearest to such single-space or
multi-space parking meter.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.12, and amended 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.;
effective 9-4-2013.)
(Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

(a) All parking meter zones heretofore established shall be and remain in effect, unless revised or adjusted in accordance with section 82.04.

(b) When parking meter zones are hereafter established or when it is determined
by the City Council that there is a need for reconsideration and revision of the
existing parking meter zones, the City Manager shall conduct a study of the
area involved.

(c) The City Manager’s study shall be directed toward an analysis of the
efficiency, safety and regulation of the traffic upon the public streets. The City
Manager shall recommend areas in which new parking meter zones shall be
established and recommend changes in existing parking meter zones. The City
Manager’s recommendation shall be based upon the following considerations:

(1) Parking demand in the area;

(2) Density of metering;

(3) Amount and type of off-street parking;

(4) Relative vehicle turnover; and

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(5) Such other information as the Council may require or the Manager
may deem appropriate.

(d) The regulation of traffic by parking meters and the use of any approved
method of payment in such meters shall become effective upon the
installation of appropriate parking meters and signs giving notice of such
parking meter regulation and rates.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.13 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)
(Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

No person shall permit a vehicle to remain parked in any parking meter zone when the meter, receipt, card, or electronic device, as provided in Municipal Code section 82.06, shows the parking time has expired. (Renumbered from former Section 86.14 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 8-25-2015 by O-20560 N.S.; effective 9-24-2015.) (Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

(a) No person shall permit a vehicle to remain parked beyond the period of legal parking time established for any parking meter zone.

(b) No person shall purchase time from any parking meter using any method of
payment for the purpose of increasing or extending the parking time of any
vehicle beyond the legal parking time which has been established for the
parking space or zone adjacent to which said parking meter is placed.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.15 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)
(Amended 8-25-2015 by O-20560 N.S.; effective 9-24-2015.)
(Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

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(a) Parking meters shall be operated in parking meter zones every day between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except holidays, unless otherwise determined by the City Manager as set forth in this section 86.0128(b) or (d); provided, however, that whenever the City Council specifies by resolution or ordinance the time period of operation of parking meters, the parking meters shall operate during the times set by the City Council.

(b) The City Manager may set and adjust the time period of operation of parking
meters before 8:00 a.m., but no earlier than 7:00 a.m., and later than
6:00 p.m., but no later than 11:00 p.m., every day except on holidays, but in
no event for a length of time less than ten hours each day.

(c) When determining hours and days of operation in a parking meter zone, the
City Manager shall consider impacts to residents within that parking meter
zone who may rely on street parking due to a lack of off-street parking.

(d) Prior to enforcing parking meters on Sundays in residential or mixed-use
areas within parking meter zones, where the zone was created prior to
January 1, 2025, a Residential Parking Permit Area must be created for the
subject area under Municipal Code Chapter 8, Article 6, Division 20.

(Renumbered from former Section 86.16 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective
9-4-2013.)
(Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

It shall be unlawful for and a violation of the provisions of this Chapter for any unauthorized person to deface, injure, tamper with, open or willfully break, destroy or impair the usefulness of any parking meters installed under the provisions of this Chapter. (Renumbered from former Section 86.17 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

It shall be unlawful and a violation of the provisions of this Chapter to deposit or cause to be deposited in any parking meter any slug, device or substitute for a lawful coin of the United States. (Renumbered from former Section 86.18 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

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The City Manager shall have the authority to provide and define parking areas on property or parking lots owned, leased, or operated by The City of San Diego in which officers and employees of The City of San Diego shall be permitted to park motor vehicles without restriction as to time; any such areas reserved exclusively for the use of such officers and employees shall be adequately marked and posted so as to clearly define the areas thus reserved. No person shall park any motor vehicle or leave same unattended in any parking area of such parking lot which is reserved for the exclusive use of officers or employees of The City of San Diego, unless the vehicle has a valid permit attached thereto, under the provisions of this section. Permission and authority for the parking of motor vehicles in the areas reserved for the exclusive use of officers and employees of The City of San Diego shall be manifested by appropriate permits on windshield stickers issued by the City Manager, which said permits shall be attached to the windshield of the motor vehicle of such officer or employee. The City Manager is hereby authorized to reissue such permits as circumstances may require. No officer or employee of The City of San Diego shall park or leave unattended in areas of any parking lots which have been restricted for the use of the public any vehicle bearing a permit issued under the provisions of this section, except at such times and under such circumstances as may be established by the City Manager. (Renumbered from former Section 86.19 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

It shall be unlawful for any person to park or leave unattended any motor vehicle in any parking facility owned, leased, or operated by The City of San Diego except in areas distinctly marked for parking and only in areas marked with lines designating parking spaces. (Renumbered from former Section 86.19.1 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

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No person shall park a vehicle for more than seventy–two (72) hours on a parking facility owned, leased, or operated by The City of San Diego. The Police Department shall have the right to impound any vehicle found parked in said parking facilities in violation of any of the terms and provisions of this code. In impounding said vehicles the members of the Police Department shall insofar as practicable follow the provisions of Section 22852 of the Vehicle Code of the State of California. No vehicle may be removed from said parking facilities under the provisions of this code unless signs are posted in said parking facilities which give notice of the restrictions as to parking governing the area in which said vehicle may be found. (Renumbered from former Section 86.19.2 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

(a) The City Manager is hereby authorized to designate stalls or spaces in publicly–owned, leased, or controlled off–street parking facilities for the exclusive use of physically disabled persons whose vehicles display either one of the distinguishing license plates issued for disabled persons pursuant to Section 22511.5 of the California Vehicle Code or for disabled veterans, as specified in Section 9105 of the California Vehicle Code. Such designation shall be made by posting immediately adjacent to, and visible from, each stall or space a sign consisting of a profile view of a wheelchair with occupant in white on a blue background. There shall also be posted immediately adjacent to, and visible from, such stall or space a sign which clearly and conspicuously states the following: Unauthorized vehicles not displaying distinguishing license plates issued for physically disabled persons will be issued citations. (b) No person shall stand or park a vehicle within a stall or space designated for the physically disabled within an off–street parking facility owned, leased, or operated by The City of San Diego unless the vehicle displays distinguishing license plates issued for disabled persons. (Renumbered from former Section 86.19.3 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

Prohibited Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 86.19.2, no person shall park a boat or unattached boat trailer on Santa Clara Point parking facilities from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, including holidays and Sundays. The Police Department shall have the right to impound any boat or unattached boat trailer found parked in said parking facilities in violation of the terms of this section. In impounding said boats and unattached boat trailers, the members of the Police Department shall, insofar as practicable, follow the provisions of Section 22852 of the Vehicle Code of the State of California. No boat or unattached boat trailer may be removed from said parking facilities under the provisions of this Code unless signs are posted in said parking facilities which give notice of the restrictions stated herein. Nothing herein shall prohibit the parking on Santa Clara Point parking facilities of a boat or boat trailer between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., if such boat or trailer is attached to a motor vehicle. (Renumbered from former Section 86.19.4 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

Every motor truck having an unladen weight of 4,000 pounds or more, and every truck tractor irrespective of weight when operated upon any highway outside of any business or residence district and upon which highway there is insufficient street lighting to reveal a vehicle at a distance of 200 feet during the time specified in Section 618 of the Vehicle Code of the State of California, shall be equipped with and carry at least two flares or lights or reflectors when reflectors shall be of a type approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. When any vehicle above– mentioned or any trailer or semi–trailer is disabled on the roadway or within 10 feet thereof at any time mentioned in said Section 618, a warning signal of the character indicated above shall be immediately placed at a distance of approximately 100 feet in advance of and 100 feet to the rear of such disabled vehicle. The warning signals herein mentioned shall be displayed continuously during the times mentioned in said Section 618 while such vehicle remains disabled upon the roadway or within 10 feet thereof. (Renumbered from former Section 86.22 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

Habitation

(a) It is unlawful for any person to leave standing or park any vehicle upon
any street while selling merchandise there from unless authorized by other
provisions of this Municipal Code.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to leave standing or park any vehicle upon any
street for the purpose of servicing or repairing such vehicle, except in an
emergency.
(c) It is unlawful for any person to leave standing or park any vehicle upon any
street in any business district or upon any through highway for the purpose of
washing or polishing such vehicle.

(d) It is unlawful for any person who deals in, or whose business involves the
sale, lease, rental, or charter of vehicles to store, park, or leave standing any
such vehicle upon any public street, except while such vehicle is under lease,
rental, or charter by a customer.

(e) It is unlawful for any person whose business involves the repair, servicing of
vehicles or vehicle components to store, leave standing, or park any vehicle
on any public street after that person has accepted custody of the vehicle from
the customer.

(f) It is unlawful for any person to use a vehicle for human habitation on any
street or public property, unless the street or public property is specifically
authorized for such use by the City Manager, as follows:

(1) between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.; and

(2) at any time, within 500 feet of a residence, meaning a building used
for living, including a house, condominium, apartment unit, or other
similar dwelling unit affixed to real property; and

(3) at any time, within 500 feet of a school that offers instruction on those
courses of study required by the California Education Code or that is
maintained pursuant to standards set by the State Board of Education.
School for purposes of this section 86.0137(f) does not include a
vocational or professional institution of higher education, including a
community or junior college, college, or university.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

(4) For purposes of this section 86.0137(f), evidence of human habitation may include observations, considering all the circumstances, that a person is using a vehicle for: sleeping; bathing; preparing or cooking meals; possessing or storing items that are not associated with ordinary vehicle use, such as a sleeping bag, bedroll, blanket, sheet, pillow, used bedding, kitchen utensils, cookware, cooking equipment, camping gear, food, water, personal grooming items, or containers of feces or urine. Evidence of human habitation also may include observations, considering all the circumstances, that: a person has obscured some or all of the vehicle’s windows; there is litter, rubbish, or waste in or around the vehicle; there is furniture set up in or around the vehicle, such as chairs, tables, umbrellas, or portable cooking equipment; or there is evidence of human urination or defecation around the vehicle.

(g) It is unlawful for any person to store, or cause to be stored, any vehicle on any
street. A vehicle shall be considered stored when it has been left standing on a
street without having been moved more than 1/10 of a mile within a seventy–
two consecutive hour period.

(h) It is unlawful for any person to leave standing, or cause or allow to be left
standing, any inoperable vehicle on any street for more than four consecutive
hours. A vehicle is considered to be inoperable when it is wrecked, burned,
dismantled, when it lacks a motor, transmission, or wheels, when it is on
blocks, or when it is otherwise incapable of being driven upon the highways
in conformity with the requirements of the Vehicle Code.

(i) It is unlawful for any person to park an unattached semi-trailer or auxiliary
dolly on any street except for the purpose of loading or unloading it.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.23, retitled from “Use Of Streets For Storage,
Service or Sale of Vehicles or For Habitation Prohibited” to “Prohibition of Use of
Streets for Storage, Service or Sale of Vehicles or For Habitation” and amended
8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)
(Retitled from “Prohibition of Use of Streets for Storage, Service or Sale of Vehicles
or For Habitation” to “Prohibition of Use of Streets for Storage, Service, or Sale of
Vehicles” and amended 3-7-2019 by O-21046 N.S.; effective 4-6-2019.)
(Retitled to “Prohibition of Use of Streets for Storage, Service or Sale of Vehicles or
For Habitation” and amended 5-14-2019 by Emergency Ordinance O-21071 N.S.;
effective 5-14-2019.)
(Amended 6-6-2019 by O-21072 N.S.; effective 7-6-2019.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

(a) Purpose. The Council of the City of San Diego finds that the display of vehicles for sale on its streets creates a distraction for drivers and pedestrians, thereby creating a hazard; creates a nuisance for the community; and decreases the parking available for businesses and residents. Council further finds that numerous methods are available and necessary to alleviate this problem in the method most appropriate for the affected community. The purpose of this Section is to authorize and empower the City Manager to take various actions when the use of public streets for the private sale of vehicles adversely affects communities in the City of San Diego.

(b) It is unlawful to park a vehicle on a street designated pursuant to Section
86.0138(e) when, because of a sign or placard on the vehicle, it appears that
the primary purpose of parking the vehicle at that location is to display to the
public that the vehicle is for sale.

(c) A notice of violation for Section 86.0138(b) must be accompanied by:

(1) A warning that an additional violation of Section 86.0138(b) may
result in the impoundment of the vehicle, even if the vehicle is moved
to another street designated under this section, so long as the sign or
placard offering the vehicle for sale remains on the vehicle.

(2) A list of the streets subject to this section.

(d) The City Manager has the authority to order the removal of any vehicle from
any designated street when, because of a sign or placard on the vehicle, it
appears that the primary purpose of parking the vehicle at that location is to
display to the public that the vehicle is for sale, and when the vehicle has
previously been issued a notice of violation for Section 86.0138(b) within the
last 30 days, but not less than 24 hours. The City Manager may order removal
of a vehicle even if the vehicle has been moved to a different street, so long as
that street is also a designated street pursuant to Section 86.0138(e) and all the
requirements of this section are satisfied.

(e) The streets subject to this section shall be determined by Resolution of the
Council.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.23.1 and amended 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.;
effective 9-4-2013.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

Recreational Vehicles

Except as provided in section 86.0140 or otherwise expressly provided to the contrary
herein, or unless such parking or standing is authorized by the City Manager and
appropriate signs permitting such parking or standing are posted:

(a) It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing upon any public street,
park road, or parking lot, any oversized vehicle, non-motorized vehicle, or
recreational vehicle between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing within 50 feet of any
intersection of public streets, a public street and park road, a public street and
alley, or a park road and alley, as measured from the prolongation of the curb
lines or the edge of the pavement of the cross street or alley, any oversized
vehicle, non-motorized vehicle, or recreational vehicle at any time.
(“Prohibition of Parking of Oversized, Non-Motorized and Recreational Vehicles”
added 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)
(Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.)
(Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.)

Vehicles, and Recreational Vehicles

(a) Section 86.0139(a) does not apply to any oversized vehicle on a public street
while actively engaged in loading or unloading goods, wares, or merchandise
from or to any building or structure.

(b) Section 86.0139(a) does not apply to any oversized vehicle on a public street
when such oversized vehicle is parked or left standing in connection with, and
in aid of, the performance of a service to or on a property in the block in
which such oversized vehicle is parked or left standing.

(c) Section 86.0139 does not apply to any vehicle on a public street belonging to
federal, state, or local authorities, or a public utility.

(d) Section 86.0139(a) does not apply to any school bus on a public street
involved in the transportation of students, or to any bus on a public street used
for the transportation of youths or disabled persons during the course of the
activity for which they were transported.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

(e) Section 86.0139 does not apply to commercial loading zones.

(f) Section 86.0139(a) does not apply to any vehicle displaying a valid permit
issued pursuant to section 86.0143.
(“Exceptions to Prohibition on Parking of Oversized, Non-Motorized and
Recreational Vehicles” added 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)
(Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.)
(Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.)

(a) The prohibitions and restrictions contained in section 86.0139 shall be effective upon the posting of signs providing notice.

(b) The City Manager shall post and maintain appropriate signs providing notice
of the prohibitions contained in section 86.0139.
(“Notice” added 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)
(Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.)
(Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.)

A violation of Municipal Code section 86.0139 shall be punishable by a fine in the amount provided in the City’s User Fee Rate Book. (“Enforcement Remedies” added 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.) (Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.) (Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.) (Amended 6-18-2025 by O-21971 N.S.; effective 7-18-2025.)

(a) The City Manager has the authority to adopt procedural rules and regulations governing the permit process, and to issue a parking permit for the parking of a recreational vehicle on a public street to any resident of the City or a bona fide guest of such resident, if:

(1) a written application is made to the City Manager including the
address of the resident; and

(2) the appropriate fees as described in section 86.0143(g) are paid.

(b) The permit shall state the address of the resident and the permit shall only be
valid within the same block as the resident’s address, on either side of the
street.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

(c) The duration of the permit shall not exceed 24 hours.

(d) Permits may be issued, but not exceed, three consecutive 24-hour periods.

(e) No more than 72 permits shall be issued relating to any one address in any
one calendar year period.

(f) Proof of residency and proof of recreational vehicle ownership or
recreational vehicle use and control shall be demonstrated in a manner
determined by the City Manager.

(g) The fee for obtaining a permit shall be established by resolution of the
Council based upon the recommendation of the City Manager. A copy of the
fee schedule shall be filed in the ratebook of City fees and charges on file in
the Office of the City Clerk.

(h) The recreational vehicle shall not be used for overnight camping, lodging or
for accommodation purposes while parked on the public street.
(“Permit Process for Temporary Overnight Parking on Public Streets” added
8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)
(Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.)
(Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.)

No person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle in or upon any grade separation, except in the event of an emergency or when necessary to avoid injury or damage to persons or property, or in compliance with the direction of a member of the Police Department or other authorized person; or with the direction of a sign or signal. (Renumbered from former Section 86.24 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

When any vehicle in or on any grade separation is stopped for any reason and is obstructing or may obstruct the flow of traffic, any member of the Police Department may move such vehicle or have such vehicle moved to the nearest terminus of said grade separation and beyond to a place of safety. The registered owner or owners and the operator of such vehicle shall be responsible for all reasonable charges for the moving services. (Renumbered from former Section 86.24.1 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in or upon any median strip, unless parking is authorized on such median strip and appropriate signs permitting such parking are posted.

(Renumbered from former Section 86.25 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

It is unlawful for any person to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in or upon any Parkway or upon any portion of a street between the sidewalk and property line unless all of the following conditions exist: (a) the vehicle is parked perpendicular to the curb, (b) the vehicle is parked within the extension of the driveway between the curb and sidewalk so that no part of the vehicle protrudes into the street or the sidewalk, and (c) no vehicle is parked which alone, or in combination with other vehicles, would prevent ingress and egress between the street and residential driveway by an emergency vehicle using the left side of the driveway. Left side is oriented by a person facing the residence. (Renumbered from former Section 86.26 on 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)

It is unlawful for any person to park any heavy duty commercial vehicle on a street in any residence district except:

(a) while loading or unloading property, or

(b) when such vehicle is parked in connection with, and in aid of, the
performance of a service to or on a property in the block in which the vehicle
is parked, or

(c) the vehicle is parked immediately in front of or along side of premises
actively devoted to industry or commerce and lying contiguous to the street.
(Renumbered from former Section 86.27, and amended 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.;
effective 9-4-2013.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in a Car Share Parking Zone, unless that vehicle is a car share vehicle that is part of a fleet operated by a City- approved car share vendor selected through a competitive process to participate in a City car share program. (“Car Share Parking Zones” added 8-25-2015 by O-20560 N.S.; effective 9-24-2015.)

(a) Definitions.

(1) Electric vehicle means either a battery electric vehicle or a plug-in
hybrid electric vehicle.

(2) Battery electric vehicle means a vehicle fueled entirely by electricity
stored in the onboard battery. This type of vehicle is often referred to
as a zero emission vehicle.

(3) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle means a vehicle that is fueled by both a
battery and another fuel source, such as a gasoline-powered internal
combustion engine. This type of vehicle runs on electricity from the
onboard battery until the battery is exhausted and then switches to an
alternate power source.

(4) Charger means an electrical component assembly or cluster of
component assemblies designed specifically to charge batteries or
other energy storage devices within electric vehicles.

(5) Actively charging means the time during which the connector from the
charger at a charging station is inserted into the inlet and electrical
power is being transferred for the purpose of recharging the electric
vehicle’s on-board batteries.

(6) Electric vehicle charging station means a parking space that is served
by a charger.

(7) Electric vehicle charging station zone means a dedicated parking zone
for electric vehicles to park and actively connect to chargers.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

(8) Connector means a device inserted into the inlet for an electric vehicle
that establishes an electrical connection from the charger to the
electric vehicle for the purpose of charging and exchanging
information.

(9) Inlet means the device on the electric vehicle into which the connector
is inserted for charging and information exchange.

(b) Only plug-in electric vehicles that are actively charging, as indicated by the
electric vehicle charging station monitor display, may be parked at electric
vehicle charging stations or in electric vehicle charging station zones located
on any street or any parking facility owned, leased, or operated by the City of
San Diego.

(c) No person shall park or cause to be parked or allow to remain standing any
vehicle at an electric vehicle charging station or in an electric vehicle
charging station zone located on any street or in any parking facility owned,
leased, or operated by the City of San Diego, unless the vehicle is an electric
vehicle, is actively charging, and has not exceeded any applicable parking
time limit.
(“Electric Vehicle Parking Regulations” added 8-25-2015 by O-20560 N.S.; effective
9-24-2015.)

(a) Purpose. This section is enacted pursuant to California Vehicle Code section 22511.57 authorizing local authorities to enforce misuse of distinguishing placards or special license plates, intended for disabled persons or disabled veterans, as parking violations instead of misdemeanors.

(b) No person shall park or stand a vehicle on a street or highway, or in a parking
stall or space in a privately or publicly owned or operated offstreet parking
facility when the vehicle displays, in order to obtain special parking
privileges, a disabled person placard or license plate, and any of the following
conditions are met:

(1) The records of the Department of Motor Vehicles for the identification
number assigned to the placard or license plate indicate that the
placard or license plate has been reported as lost, stolen, surrendered,
cancelled, revoked, or expired, or was issued to a person who has been
reported as deceased for a period exceeding 60 days; or

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

(2) The placard or license plate is displayed on a vehicle that is not being
used to transport, and is not in the reasonable proximity of, the person
to whom the license plate or placard was issued or a person who is
authorized to be transported in the vehicle displaying that placard or
license plate; or

(3) The placard or license plate is counterfeit, forged, altered, or
mutilated.

(c) Notwithstanding section 12.0201 of the Municipal Code, a violation of
section 86.0152 is subject to a civil penalty and is not an infraction.
(“Misuse of Disabled Person Placard or License Plate” added 10-20-2015 by
O-20571 N.S.; effective 11-19-2015.)

Plate

(a) Purpose. This section is enacted pursuant to California Vehicle Code
section 22652.6.

(b) Any peace officer or any regularly employed and salaried employee engaged
in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of the City may
remove any vehicle parked or standing on a street or highway or from a stall
or space of a privately or publicly owned or operated offstreet parking facility
within the City when the vehicle is in violation of section 86.0152.
(“Authority to Remove Vehicles for Misuse of Disabled Person Placard or License
Plate” added 10-20-2015 by O-20571 N.S.; effective 11-19-2015.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 8: Traffic and Vehicles (7-2025)

Article 6: Stopping, Standing and Parking