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Board backs Pinecrest parking‑fine increase, directs staff on fire lanes and enforcement
Summary
Tuolumne supervisors waived first reading for an ordinance raising county parking fines at Pinecrest and directed staff to develop and implement fire lanes, signage and enforcement plans; research into a higher fine cap will return to the board.
The Board of Supervisors on March 18 waived the first reading of an ordinance to increase county parking fines in identified no‑parking areas, including Pinecrest Lake recreation corridors, and set a second reading for April 8. The action stemmed from a multi‑agency staff report highlighting public‑safety hazards and repeated unlawful parking that impedes emergency access.
Staff described a multi‑department effort with the sheriff, fire, public works and U.S. Forest Service to reduce dangerous parking and improve evacuation access at Pinecrest. The report noted the county’s current parking penalties ($35 first offense; $100 second) are low compared with neighboring jurisdictions and have failed to deter repeat violations. Staff recommended raising fines and directed the county air, sheriff and public works teams to develop an enforcement plan; funds from fines could be used to support enforcement and mitigation.
The board directed staff to develop immediate, low‑cost safety actions for the coming season: designation and signing of fire lanes, targeted enforcement and variable message signage to discourage illegal parking and inform day users. Supervisors asked staff to return with legal research on the maximum allowable fine and a recommendation for the highest legally supportable fine; the board said it would consider a larger increase if state law permits. Several public speakers — including Pinecrest Resort representatives and the sheriff’s office — supported higher fines and faster enforcement to preserve emergency access.
Longer‑term options discussed by staff and supervisors included fee‑based parking or metered lots and shuttle‑service ideas tied to resort partners, but those would require multi‑agency coordination and likely take a year‑plus to design and implement.
Next steps: Staff will return with legal analysis of fine caps and a plan to implement signed fire lanes, traffic calming and increased enforcement for the upcoming season. The board scheduled a second reading of the parking‑fine ordinance for April 8.
