Title
a. Consider adoption of an ordinance adding Section 12.28.013 to Title 12 of the Monterey County Code to prohibit oversized vehicle parking at all times with tow away authorization on Railroad Avenue on both sides from the centerline of Salinas Road easterly to its end, and Allison Road on both sides between Railroad Avenue and San Juan Road, in the unincorporated area of Monterey County.
b. Find that the adoption of the ordinance is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to sections 15301(c) and 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines because the action will involve negligible changes to the existing County regulations that govern the existing County highways and streets, and the action is for the protection of the environment.
CEQA Action: Categorically Exempt.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Find that the adoption of the ordinance is categorically exempt under CEQA pursuant to sections 15301(c) and 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines because the action will involve negligible changes to the existing County regulations that govern the existing County highways and streets, and the action is for the protection of the environment; and
b. Adopt an ordinance adding Section 12.28.013 to Title 12 of the Monterey County Code to prohibit oversized vehicle parking with tow away authorization on Railroad Avenue on both sides from the centerline of Salinas Road easterly to its end, and Allison Road on both sides between Railroad Avenue and San Juan Road, in the unincorporated area of Monterey County.
CEQA Action: Categorically Exempt.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On February 10, 2026, the Board of Supervisors introduced, waived the reading, and set today’s date to consider adoption of the proposed ordinance to add Section 12.28.013 to Title 12 of the Monterey County Code to prohibit oversized vehicle parking at all times with tow away authorization on Railroad Avenue on both sides from the centerline of Salinas Road easterly to its end, and Allison Road on both sides between Railroad Avenue and San Juan Road, in the unincorporated area of Monterey County, and find that the adoption of this ordinance is categorically exempt per California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 15301(c) and Section 15308 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. Some public comments on the proposed ordinance were received at the February 10, 2026 meeting, including additional direction from the Board. That additional direction included: a status report on the timeline of connecting the unhoused to services and resources, and; exploring expansion of the No Oversized Vehicle parking ordinance into all of Pajaro, given the recent actions taken by a neighboring municipality, the City of Watsonville. It was reported at the February 10, 2026, Board Meeting, that the City of Watsonville was considering an ordinance that was stricter than the County’s proposed ordinance.
With regards to the status: On any given day, there are approximately twelve to fifteen oversized vehicles parked with people experiencing homelessness occupying them as their primary means of housing. The Board of Supervisors directed the Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division to deploy homeless street outreach teams to engage with individuals and families that would be impacted by the recommended ordinance and identify possible solutions for homelessness status. Though the County is exploring a Safe Parking Program and has located potential sites, a designated and prepared location has not been developed by the writing of this Board Report.
Additional direction was to explore the expansion of the No Oversized Vehicle ordinance. Since the first reading of the ordinance, County staff have further conferred with law enforcement. While data is limited since the previous Board meeting, there is concern that a neighboring jurisdiction has enacted an ordinance stricter than this proposed County ordinance. There is also consensus among law enforcement to expand the ordinance to more roads in Pajaro. At this time, staff proposes that the Board adopt the ordinance with the current prohibition limits, and continue to monitor the conditions as part of an incremental approach. Should conditions in the future necessitate expansion of the prohibition limits, staff will return at that time.
Background
At the February 10, 2026 Board Meeting, staff reported that: In response to community concerns, Supervisorial District 2 prepared Board Referral No. 2025.11 seeking to adopt an ordinance to prohibit recreational vehicles parking on the entirety of Railroad Avenue, establish a tow-away zone, and authorizing the immediate removal of vehicles that violate this no-parking restriction. Railroad Avenue is a County maintained road in the Pajaro community, an unincorporated community south of the City of Watsonville. It is Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) staff understanding from the Board Referral, that roadside parking of recreational vehicles on Railroad Avenue has created a consistent and increasing public health and safety concern for the community and businesses of Pajaro, particularly regarding unhoused persons living in oversized vehicles along this road without appropriate services, disruptions for residents and businesses, crime, traffic hazards caused by parked vehicles blocking travel lanes, and the illegal dumping of trash and refuse.
On November 4, 2025, Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) provided the Board of Supervisors a preliminary analysis report in response to said Board referral. The Board added Allison Road for consideration, due to concerns with food safety. The Board also indicated the need for a Safe Parking Program in North Monterey County, as a location for unhoused individuals who would be displaced, and directed staff to explore options to facilitate a Safe Parking Program.
For months, the staff of the CAO-Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division, the Environmental Health Bureau (EHB), Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Vehicle Abatement, California Highway Patrol (CHP), Housing and Community Development (HCD), the Office of the County Counsel, and PWFP have been contending with complaints of illegal dumping/litter, oversized vehicles parking and causing health and safety issues, parked campers, and other issues, including potential food safety issues, in this area of Pajaro. Much of this same team has been working to identify a Safe Parking Program in North Monterey County. The proposed ordinance would add Section 12.28.013 to Chapter 12.28 - STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING of Title 12 - VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC of the Monterey County Code.
Based on the feedback and research conducted by staff, a new section of Title 12 of Monterey County Code must be established to achieve the objectives of the Board Referral request. Staff proposes an ordinance to add this new section. The ordinance will also codify the definition of an “oversized vehicle” because a definition does not exist in State law (the California Vehicle Code).
The proposed ordinance is for the protection of the public peace, health, safety and welfare of the County constituents and visitors in the Pajaro community.
To address the campers parking on Railroad Avenue, PWFP proposes to install “No Illegal Camping” signage, consistent with the already-existing Section 14.18.020(B) of Title 14 of the Monterey County Code, which prohibits camping between the hours of six p.m. (6:00PM) and six a.m. (6:00AM) on any public road. However, the proposed ordinance would apply to all times, without reference to time of day.
This proposed ordinance is one component of a broader County strategy that includes continued pursuit of a Safe Parking Program and coordination with service providers to connect unhoused individuals to shelter, sanitation, and housing resources.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
PWFP staff have been working with Housing Community Development (HCD), Office of the County Counsel, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), CAO-Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division, County Environmental Health Bureau (EHB), California Highway Patrol (CHP), and others. The Office of the County Counsel has approved the ordinance as to legal form.
FINANCING:
Adoption of this ordinance requires the posting of appropriate signage. These traffic control devices will be funded by the Road Fund. The cost to install the necessary signage is estimated at $6,000. Sufficient funds are available in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Recommended Budget for the Road Fund 002, Appropriation Unit PFP004 to finance this work.
CEQA:
The adoption of the ordinance is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to sections 15301(c) and 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines because the action will involve negligible changes to the existing County regulations that govern the existing County highways and streets, and the action is for the protection of the environment.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan Goals for Well-Being and Quality of Life, and Safe and Resilient Communities. These services will enhance the County’s transportation safety and accessibility, improving the quality of life for County residents.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
_ _ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
_ _ Diverse and Thriving Economy
_ _ Administrative
Prepared by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Reviewed by: Enrique Saavedra, PE, Chief of Public Works
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - Board Referral No. 2025.11
Attachment B - Draft Ordinance
Attachment C - Location Map
(Attachments on file with Clerk of the Board)