Ordinance committee recommends tighter enforcement for oversized‑vehicle parking; directs continued outreach with New Beginnings

The Santa Barbara Ordinance Committee voted unanimously on April 21 to recommend amending the city’s oversized‑vehicle parking rules to strengthen enforcement and pair it with continued outreach to an encampment‑resolution program.

City Attorney John Dois and staff recommended removing the 2017 amendment’s multiple‑warning, 1,000‑foot relocation requirement from Santa Barbara Municipal Code section 10.44.220 and instead establishing a single warning before enforcement. Staff said the multiple‑warning approach had produced repeated relocation rather than departure and contributed to public‑health and environmental complaints in areas such as Quarantina Street.

"In the three years since the 1,000‑foot provision was added we have seen repeated relocation and continued congregation that has created health and safety impacts," City Attorney John Dois said, citing code‑enforcement and police contacts.

Staff presented enforcement data for a recent period showing more than 100 oversized‑vehicle enforcement contacts and numerous repeat appearances by the same vehicles; code enforcement also logged hundreds of illegal‑dumping/abandoned‑property reports citywide, with a high concentration along reported corridors. Staff also reported progress from a California Encampment Resolution Fund grant carried out with New Beginnings and county partners: 118 individuals (79 vehicles) enrolled in outreach, with 71 people housed or placed in interim shelter since the program began.

Committee members asked whether safe‑parking capacity could absorb all vehicles currently on city streets. Staff said capacity is limited and described ongoing outreach to expand spaces, including work with nonprofit partners, private lot owners and the county; the city will continue to pursue agreements for additional parking and shelter options.

Motion and vote: Mayor Pro Tem Pertim Snetten moved and Council member Jordan seconded a recommendation that the city council consider an ordinance amending SBMC §10.44.220 to modify enforcement procedures for oversized‑vehicle parking violations and to continue coordination with New Beginnings for outreach and alternative parking resources; the committee voted unanimously to pass the recommendation.

What this means: The change narrows the relocation loophole staff said was being used to avoid enforcement, while preserving outreach and enrollment opportunities to connect vehicle‑dwelling residents with housing navigation.

Quote: "We want to be compassionate and provide pathways to housing, but we also need enforceable tools when repeated relocations cause public‑health and safety impacts," Chief Gordon (police) said during questioning.

Ending: The committee forwarded the recommended ordinance amendment to the city council for consideration and asked staff to continue pursuing expanded safe‑parking and interim shelter options.