San Diego Rules Committee approves permanent free beach parking

The San Diego City Council’s Rules Committee has unanimously approved an ordinance to maintain free parking at local beaches and Mission Bay “in perpetuity.” The proposal, authored by Council President Joe LaCava and Councilman Raul Campillo, aims to ensure that city-owned beach and bay parking lots remain accessible to San Diego residents without charge.

The committee modified the proposal by restricting the free parking benefit to city residents and removing a previously suggested 10-year sunset clause. Council President LaCava noted that transitioning the proposal from a ballot measure to an ordinance could save taxpayers approximately $1 million by avoiding a public vote.

The ordinance will not affect existing parking meters, nor will it prevent the city from issuing parking violations or regulating commercial activities and permitted events. The measure must now proceed to the full City Council for a final vote before becoming law.