City Council Considers Curbside Camper Parking Restrictions

The City Council is scheduled Monday to take up proposed parking restrictions on oversized vehicles like campers and trailers, but it could be several months to a year before the city of San Diego can fully implement an approved program.

The proposed ordinances are in response to numerous homeowner complaints that big vehicles block views and create traffic hazards when left along curbsides in residential neighborhoods.

The council members will be presented with two options that ban the parking of oversized vehicles between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and within 50 feet of an intersection at any time. One option is to launch a pilot program limited mostly to beach areas, where the problem is most acute, according to Councilman Kevin Faulconer. The alternative would make the restrictions citywide.

Council President Todd Gloria has previously expressed concern that a limited ban would cause drivers of oversized vehicles to migrate to his district, which covers downtown, Hillcrest and North Park.

Exceptions would be made for deliveries and school buses, and residents could apply for permits for recreational vehicles to park for 24 hours, giving owners time to load and unload for trips.

The city's Independent Budget Analyst said it could take as long as one year for a vendor to develop an online permitting process.

According to a staff report, an approved ordinance will have to be reviewed by the California Coastal Commission before it is implemented in coastal areas.

The report estimates costs for the citywide ban to be nearly $1.9 million, compared to $581,000 for the coastal pilot program. The costs include extra law enforcement personnel and signs.

-City News Service