Encinitas, November 28, 2025
The Encinitas City Council is considering a new ordinance aimed at simplifying the establishment of timed parking restrictions in residential neighborhoods. The initiative addresses parking congestion due to nearby developments and increased recreational visitors. The proposed ordinance empowers the city traffic engineer to designate time-limited zones and requires resident petitions to initiate restrictions. It focuses on targeted solutions rather than blanket rules for entire blocks, garnering community support amid concerns about overflow parking affecting single-family neighborhoods.
Encinitas Proposes Streamlined Process for Timed Parking in Residential Areas
Encinitas, California – The Encinitas City Council is considering a new ordinance to simplify the establishment of timed parking restrictions in residential neighborhoods. This initiative aims to address growing concerns over parking congestion due to nearby developments and increased recreational visitors.
Proposed Ordinance Details
The draft ordinance, identified as Ordinance No. 2025-20, seeks to amend Chapter 14.40 of the city’s code to formalize procedures for implementing time-limited parking zones ranging from 20 minutes to four hours. Key provisions include:
- Designation Authority: Empowering the city traffic engineer to establish time-limited zones.
- Resident Petition Requirement: Mandating petitions from affected residents to initiate restrictions.
- Occupancy Survey: Requiring an engineering survey to confirm that average parking duration exceeds double the proposed limit before staff recommends a restriction.
Implementation Process
The proposed process focuses on addressing daytime parking issues by applying restrictions to specific stretches of curb directly in front of the requesting home or business, rather than entire blocks. This targeted approach aims to mitigate parking problems without imposing blanket rules on entire neighborhoods.
Community Response and Next Steps
Local community groups, including the Encinitas Ranch Community Association, have advocated for proactive measures to prevent parking overflow into single-family neighborhoods, especially in areas adjacent to new developments. The City Council unanimously approved a three-hour parking limit for Paseo Las Verdes, a street near Quail Gardens Drive, in response to these concerns. The ordinance is currently under review by the city’s Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission, with plans for a final vote following the advisory review process.
Background Context
Encinitas has experienced significant growth, with plans for three large apartment developments near Quail Gardens Drive and Encinitas Boulevard, totaling 790 housing units and 1,317 parking spots. Assuming two vehicles per unit, this results in a deficit of at least 263 parking spots. Residents fear that occupants may seek parking on neighboring streets, such as Paseo Las Verdes, which is currently a public street. The city has previously implemented measures like the Safe Parking Program to address related issues, but this new ordinance represents a more direct approach to managing parking in residential areas.
Key Features of the Proposed Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Designation Authority | Empowers the city traffic engineer to establish time-limited parking zones ranging from 20 minutes to four hours. |
| Resident Petition Requirement | Mandates petitions from affected residents to initiate parking restrictions. |
| Occupancy Survey | Requires an engineering survey to confirm that average parking duration exceeds double the proposed limit before staff recommends a restriction. |
| Targeted Implementation | Applies restrictions to specific stretches of curb directly in front of the requesting home or business, rather than entire blocks, to address daytime parking issues. |
| Community Involvement | Involves local community groups in advocating for measures to prevent parking overflow into single-family neighborhoods, especially in areas adjacent to new developments. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Ordinance No. 2025-20?
Ordinance No. 2025-20 is a proposed amendment to Chapter 14.40 of the Encinitas Municipal Code, aiming to streamline the process for establishing time-limited parking zones in residential neighborhoods.
How will the new ordinance affect residential parking?
The ordinance is designed to address daytime parking congestion by allowing residents to request time-limited parking restrictions on specific stretches of curb, thereby reducing overflow parking from nearby developments and recreational visitors.
What steps are involved in implementing time-limited parking zones?
The process includes empowering the city traffic engineer to designate time-limited zones, requiring petitions from affected residents, and conducting an engineering survey to confirm that average parking duration exceeds double the proposed limit before staff recommends a restriction.
What is the current status of the ordinance?
The ordinance has been introduced and is under review by the city’s Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission. A final vote by the City Council is anticipated following the advisory review process.
How have community groups responded to the proposed ordinance?
Community groups, such as the Encinitas Ranch Community Association, have advocated for proactive measures to prevent parking overflow into single-family neighborhoods, especially in areas adjacent to new developments. Their concerns have influenced the council’s consideration of this ordinance.
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