City Council introduces ordinance raising snow-parking fine to $400, aligns snow-condition rules with county

The Big Bear Lake City Council on Oct. 11 approved the first reading of an ordinance that would align the city’s winter parking rules with San Bernardino County and raise the penalty for parking on city streets during snow conditions to $400. City Manager Eric, speaking during the public hearing, said the change responds to council direction given after last winter and is meant to improve plow clearance and public safety.

The ordinance merges two items on the agenda: one to add a $400 fine for parking during snow conditions and another to adopt the county’s October 15–April 15 window for the season. Eric told the council the county generally treats snow conditions as a period when enforcement is more likely and that the city’s operational trigger for plowing is roughly 3 inches of accumulation (the county uses a 2-inch rule); the new code language ties enforcement to actual snow conditions and to the county window to create valleywide consistency. “Our goal is not to cite you,” Eric said. “Our goal is to get vehicles off the street so we can plow.”

Council members raised questions about definitions, how staff would notify visitors, and whether service professionals (plumbers, roofers, emergency responders) would be exempt. Eric said the city plans a “robust marketing and communication plan” in 2024, larger signage at major entry points, QR codes on signs linking to road-condition guidance, message-board announcements during storms, and continued case-by-case handling of service vehicles. He also said citations are issued with a supporting photo and license-plate record.

Public commenters expressed mixed views. Some residents and business owners supported stiffer penalties to deter illegal parking that blocks plows and emergency access. Others worried about increased towing and fines for visitors who may not see notices; they urged clearer advance signage and temporary warnings during the ordinance’s early use. Staff agreed to expand signage, use electronic message boards to warn motorists when conditions exist, and report back to council on citation counts for the next winter season.

The council vote recorded in open session approved the ordinance’s introduction; Eric said the change requires a second reading (typically 30 days) before taking full effect, and staff said implementation and outreach would target winter 2024 to give residents and visitors notice.

What’s next: staff will produce larger entry-point signage, add QR-code links to road-condition webpages, coordinate with the sheriff’s office and Mountain Transit for enforcement and shuttling days, and return to the council with results on citations and any adjustments after the first winter of implementation.