Purchase Permits Online to Park Oversize Vehicles on San Diego Streets

An online system where San Diegans can purchase permits to park oversized vehicles such as boats, trailers and campers on city streets will be activated on July 8, city officials said today.

A ban on parking such vehicles at curbsides between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. is set to take effect on or around Aug. 1, city staff told members of the City Council.

Bill Harris, of the city's Transportation and Stormwater Department, said there will be a 15-day grace period, so enforcement should begin somewhere around Aug. 16. An outreach program is being prepared to inform residents of the new regulations, he said.

The City Council approved the prohibition last July after hearing from constituents, especially in beach-area neighborhoods, that massive recreational vehicles, boats and trailers were blocking views and creating safety hazards.

The ordinance will allow owners of vehicles more than 27 feet long and 7 feet high to park them on the street overnight -- with the permit -- for loading, unloading and cleaning. People will be allowed to purchase permits for up to three nights in a row, or a total of 72 per year.

Beginning July 8, people who anticipate buying the permits -- which will cost $2 each -- can register online.

The city is charging $1.25 per permit, which will recover 97 percent of costs. The vendor operating the online system will collect an additional 75 cents.

Implementation of the ban was delayed to give the California Coastal Commission time to approve the ordinance in beach areas. However, commission staff subsequently notified the city that their consent is unnecessary.

—City News Service