Pacifica moves to tighten 72‑hour parking rules, setting 1,000‑foot relocation requirement

Police Chief Maria Sarasua (transcript name: Maria Sarasuya) and Captain Vicente Romero presented a proposed update to Pacifica Municipal Code Chapter 2 to clarify enforcement of the city’s 72‑hour parking rule. Chief Sarasua cited California Vehicle Code 22651(k) as the state authority that allows towing for vehicles left for 72 or more consecutive hours. "This ordinance also serves to prevent long term storage of inoperable or abandoned vehicles, which can contribute to neighborhood blight," the chief told the council while summarizing frequent complaint types.

Staff detailed a set of changes intended to close a specific enforcement gap: the code did not specify how far a vehicle must be moved to reset the 72‑hour clock. Under the draft amendment a vehicle will be deemed in violation if it has not been moved at least 1,000 feet from the original location after 72 consecutive hours, and it will be a violation if it returns within 24 hours to within 1,000 feet of the original location. The draft also replaces the existing pre‑towing abatement hearing (which staff said is not required by state law) with a more efficient 72‑hour warning notice specifying required actions; a hearing may still be requested and a hearing officer’s decision would be final.

Chief Sarasua told council that the Police Department responded to 2,047 complaints about 72‑hour parking violations between January 2024 and June 2025. The chief and Captain Romero stressed a ‘‘compassionate, service‑oriented approach’’ for people living in vehicles and described coordination with the Pacifica Resource Center (PRC) to offer outreach and referrals before taking enforcement action. "Every contact is an opportunity to provide outreach, informational resources, and referrals to local support organizations such as the Pacifica Resource Center," Sarasua said.

Public comment included calls for enforcement and community safety. Several speakers thanked the Resource Center for its work and urged the council to consider safe‑parking and respite options rather than indiscriminate towing. Suzanne Moore, a board member of the Pacifica Resource Center, cautioned the council about unintended consequences and recommended staff study options such as respite parking and case management before expanding enforcement.

After discussion the council introduced the ordinance and waived first reading. The motion to introduce the ordinance was made by Mayor Pro Tem Bowles, seconded by Councilmember Beier, and passed 4–0 with Mayor Beckmeyer absent. Staff told the council it will update the 72‑hour notice forms and train officers on the new relocation distance if the ordinance advances. The city manager and police staff said outreach coordination with the PRC will continue and that officers will exercise discretion when a vehicle occupant requests assistance or refuses services.