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a. Introduce, waive first reading, and set June 23, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Section 12.28.010 of the Monterey County Code to prohibit parking at all times on both sides of State Highway 1 from approximately 900 feet north of the north abutment of Bixby Bridge (Caltrans Post Mile 59.64) to approximately 700 feet south of the south abutment of Bixby Bridge (Caltrans Post Mile 59.25), in the unincorporated area of Monterey County;
b. Find that the adoption of the ordinance is statutorily exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15269(c) of the CEQA Guidelines because the action will involve specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency; and
c. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks to apply on behalf of the County for an encroachment permit from Caltrans to install no parking signs on both sides of State Highway 1 in the limits described in the ordinance around Bixby Bridge.
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RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Find that the adoption of the ordinance is statutorily exempt under Sections 15269(c) of the CEQA Guidelines because the action will involve specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency;
b. Introduce, waive first reading, and set June 23, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Section 12.28.010 of the Monterey County Code to prohibit parking at all times on both sides of State Highway 1 from approximately 900 feet north of the north abutment of Bixby Bridge (Caltrans Post Mile 59.64) to approximately 700 feet south of the south abutment of Bixby Bridge (Caltrans Post Mile 59.25), in the unincorporated area of Monterey County; and
c. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks to apply on behalf of the County for an encroachment permit from Caltrans to install no parking signs on both sides of State Highway 1 in the limits described in the ordinance around Bixby Bridge.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On April 23, 2026, Supervisor Daniels submitted a referral (Referral No. 2026.08) requesting staff to implement a 12-month moratorium on parking in the immediate vicinity of Bixby Bridge on Highway 1, in advance of the Memorial Day weekend start of the summer season (Attachment A).
Considering ongoing safety concerns and the need for an immediate, practical response, Referral No. 2026.08 proposed adoption of a temporary No Parking ordinance on Highway 1 near Bixby Bridge, complementing the existing Old Coast Road No Parking restrictions. The measure would provide short-term protection for public safety while allowing for continued coordination with CCC staff on longer-term management approaches.
On May 19, 2026, Public Works, Facilities and Parks (“PWFP”) staff provided the Board of Supervisors a preliminary analysis report in response to said Board referral. At the meeting, the Board provided direction to staff to pursue the path of acquiring an Emergency Coastal Development Permit (“ECDP”), while concurrently preparing an ordinance for no parking for consideration by the Board, followed by applying for a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for placing the signage on Highway 1. Thereafter, the moratorium would be implemented for a 12-month period, and the ECDP would be supplanted by consideration of a regular Coastal Development Permit (“CDP”). The follow-up permit would involve exploration of options for parking and access long-term.
The proposed ordinance is for the protection of the public peace, health, safety and welfare of the County constituents and visitors in the Big Sur community.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
PWFP staff have been working with Housing Community Development (HCD), Office of the County Counsel, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), and outside departments such as the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Caltrans, California Coastal Commission (CCC), State Parks, and the United States Forestry Service (USFS). 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, as well as enforcement by law enforcement officers. These traffic control devices will be funded by the Community Road Maintenance Program in the Road Fund. For this temporary signage, costs will depend on the quantity of signage necessary, which could be $50,000. Sufficient funds are available in the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Recommended Budget for the Road Fund 002, Appropriation Unit PFP004 to finance this work.
Enforcement is required by law enforcement partners, who have noted their limited resources. The California Highway Patrol does have an enforcement agreement process for dedicated officer(s) for enforcement at a specific location; for estimate purposes, it is approximately $15.3k per month for a dedicated officer on weekends 8 hours per day, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The MCSO has also indicated the possibility of a similar enforcement arrangement. For a similar time period and staffing, the estimate is approximately $11.3k per month for a dedicated deputy.
CEQA:
The adoption of the ordinance is statutorily exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15269(c) of the CEQA Guidelines because the action will involve specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency. Specifically, temporarily prohibiting parking in a limited area near Bixby Bridge given increasing concerns for impacts to visitor and resident safety, emergency access, and sensitive natural resources.
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. 2026.08
Attachment B - Draft Ordinance
Attachment C - Location Map
(Attachments on file with Clerk of the Board)