Committee asks public works to study no‑parking signs for Junipero median after residents raise safety and fire concerns

The Carmel-by-the-Sea Traffic Safety Committee asked public works staff May 28 to review a neighborhood request for additional no‑parking signs in the center median of Junipero Street between Eighth and Twelfth avenues and return with a design and implementation recommendation.

Committee members and public commenters said vehicles frequently park in the planted center islands, creating tire damage, fire‑hazard exposure (dry grasses), and obstructing the appearance and intended function of the landscaped medians. A resident said crews had previously deployed temporary rope and pigtail posts during high‑demand periods (Car Week) because permanent signage was insufficient to deter parking.

Public works staff agreed to check municipal code and state spacing requirements for sign placement and to propose an arrangement of permanent no‑parking posts. Committee members also discussed the need to preserve adequate openings for emergency vehicles and to allow targeted temporary measures (roping or temporary signage) during Car Week until permanent signs can be installed.

The committee moved and approved a request that public works perform a walk‑and‑talk on site, prepare a proposed sign‑placement plan, and return with that recommendation to the committee for concurrence. Members emphasized that the permanent sign placement should also enable enforcement (clear signage makes enforcement and ticketing possible).