San Diego City Council Committee Advances Ordinance Guaranteeing Free Parking at Public Beaches and Coastal Parks

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego City Council Rules Committee voted unanimously to advance a municipal charter amendment and municipal code ordinance permanently prohibiting paid parking meters across all city beaches, coastal preserves, and Mission Bay regional park lots.

Protecting Coastal Access Equity

The ordinance responds to regional budget discussions exploring paid parking revenues to address municipal infrastructure deficits. Committee members stated that charging for beach parking creates financial barriers for working-class families and violates California Coastal Commission public access mandates. The measure locks in free public parking while establishing dedicated commercial concession fees to maintain coastal restrooms and lifeguard towers.

Council President Sean Elo-Rivera and committee members affirmed that San Diego’s coastline is a public trust that must remain free and accessible to all residents.

Coastal Business and Environmental Feedback

Surfrider Foundation and local recreation clubs strongly endorsed the free parking ordinance, preserving open coastal access.

City financial analysts noted that parking enforcement staff can be redeployed to high-congestion commercial corridors downtown.

Full Council Vote Timeline

The ordinance proceeds to the full San Diego City Council for final adoption on September 8, 2026.