Board sets first reading for 12‑month no‑parking zone at Bixby Bridge, citing safety concerns

Monterey County supervisors on June 9 moved to introduce first reading of an ordinance to prohibit parking at all times on both sides of State Route 1 in the vicinity of Bixby Bridge for a 12‑month moratorium. The board set June 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. for the ordinance’s second reading and consideration of adoption.

“Allowing parking on this location is an imminent public‑safety risk,” Chair Askew said during the discussion, describing congested conditions for motorists and pedestrians and the challenge for first responders. Randall Ishee, director of public works, told the board staff will apply for a Caltrans encroachment permit to install state‑standard no‑parking signs if the ordinance moves forward.

Ishee said staff’s referral responded to “long‑standing and well documented public‑safety hazards” at the site and that adoption is intended to precede signage placement and enforcement. The presentation noted previous imagery of heavy congestion and a recent Memorial Day weekend news item that underscored local fire district concerns.

Board members pressed staff on two practical issues: how quickly Caltrans will process an encroachment permit and who will enforce the restriction during peak periods. County counsel and staff explained that the ordinance becomes effective 30 days after adoption and that Caltrans has a backlog of permit reviews; enforcement options discussed included an agreement with the CHP to provide a dedicated officer on‑site and a fee‑for‑service arrangement with the sheriff’s office.

Supervisor Daniels and others also asked staff to coordinate signage with coastal viewshed policies (Big Sur land‑use and Coast Highway management plan) and to document the Coastal Commission’s prior comments; staff said an emergency coastal development permit was processed and that the Coastal Commission has not objected to a temporary 12‑month restriction while longer‑term access solutions are studied.

The board’s motion to introduce the ordinance passed with the majority in favor and one abstention. After adoption, staff will send the ordinance to Caltrans as part of the encroachment permit application and return with further implementation details.

Provenance: Staff presentation and board Q&A introducing the ordinance (transcript SEG 949–1030; SEG 1016–1027) through the board vote to introduce (SEG 1658–1665).