Commission approves lifting Via Oceano parking restriction near Madrid Park

The Planning & Transportation Commission voted unanimously on Sept. 9 to remove a longstanding no‑parking restriction on the east side of Via Oceano next to Madrid Park.

Mario Gutierrez, the city’s transportation engineer, presented staff and Community Services ad hoc committee findings recommending the change after the park was renovated. Gutierrez said the adjustment would add “approximately, on street parking for 25 vehicles” by removing the no‑parking signs and keeping painted red curbs only at fire hydrants and the bend.

Supporters on the ad hoc committee and a number of commissioners said the change recognizes existing behavior and improves access. Pam Smith, who said she served on the ad hoc committee and has lived in the neighborhood for decades, stressed safety concerns about forcing park users to cross the street but said her committee ultimately recommended lifting the restriction with targeted curb painting: “So our number 1 concern was the safety of the kids that are gonna use that park.”

Commissioners asked staff about enforcement and planned playground warning signs. Gutierrez said enforcement had been infrequent in the past and that playground signage had already been requested from public services. Commissioners stressed that painted red curbs around hydrants would be maintained.

Commissioner Patan moved to adopt the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The order directs staff to remove no‑parking signs on the east side of Via Oceano adjacent to Madrid Park, paint red curbs by hydrants, and retain red curbing around the bend as shown in staff visuals.

What’s next: Staff will schedule the sign removal and curb painting work and proceed under the city’s traffic/parking implementation procedures. The change takes effect once on‑street signage and curb markings are updated.