New RV Parking Rules to Take Effect in Carlsbad

The following is a press release from the city of Carlsbad:

New rules for parking RVs and other oversized vehicles are now in effect in the City of Carlsbad. The ordinance restricts overnight parking of recreational and oversized vehicles on city streets between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The goal of the ordinance is to effectively manage the parking of RVs and oversized vehicles in the City of Carlsbad, and address the many complaints by residents, visitors and business owners associated with overnight parking of RVs on city streets.

The ordinance includes exceptions to accommodate the needs of city residents, their guests, and hotel or motel guest with RVs.

“The ordinance gives the police department the necessary tools to address those RV and oversized vehicle users that act without regard to the health, safety and quality of life of others in the City of Carlsbad,” said City of Carlsbad Police Department Lieutenant Kelly Cain.  “It also gives law abiding residents and their guests the opportunity to enjoy their RVs in Carlsbad through a free permit system.”

Cain said the city will issue warnings through July 31 to oversized vehicle users without a permit and in violation of the ordinance. On Aug. 1 the City of Carlsbad Police Department will begin issuing citations for violations of the ordinance.  Every citation will be assessed a $50 penalty.

The ordinance went into effect March 14, but the city waited to begin enforcement until large red and white signs could be installed citywide. The signs advise RV and oversized vehicle users of the new restrictions.

“Other coastal cities have addressed the problem by restricting RV overnight parking and have successfully introduced a parking permit system,” said City of Carlsbad Deputy Director of Transportation Bryan Jones.

Residents and their guests can apply for an oversized vehicle permit, which must be displayed in the window when the vehicle is parked on a city street between hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. The vehicle must be parked within 400 feet of the residence that was granted the permit. 

Additional details

·         Yearly Residential Permit: City of Carlsbad residents who own an RV can apply for a yearly free permit to park their vehicle on a public street at their residence for up to 72 hours, four times within each month.

·         Temporary 72 Hour Guest Permit: Carlsbad residents can apply for a temporary permit for their guest. This free permit would allow residents to have guests with an RV park at their residence for up to 72 hours, six times per year.

·         Commercial Property Permit: Hotels or motels can allow guests to park RVs next to these inns on public streets if the RV cannot be accommodated in the property’s parking lot. The city would issue each hotel and motel reusable permits that they can give to their guest.

·         Oversized vehicle: The dimensions of an oversized vehicle are 22 feet in length, seven feet in height and seven feet width.

The free permit can be obtained from the City of Carlsbad Finance Department Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The finance department is located in the lobby of the Faraday Center at 1635 Faraday Ave. (760-602-2420).

To view the ordinance or permit application, please go to www.carlsbadca.gov/services/traffic/operations.