COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: August 4, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Establishing a Large Vehicle Parking Restriction on Shepard Drive
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution establishing a large vehicle parking restriction on Shepard Drive to discourage recreational vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers from parking along the corridor.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution establishing a large vehicle parking restriction on Shepard Drive, from Meehan Street to the cul-de-sac.
BACKGROUND:
City staff received a request to establish a no -parking restriction for vehicles over 6 feet in height on Shepard Drive, from Meehan Street to the cul-de-sac. The request was made in coordination with City Recreation and Parks staff and is intended to discourage RVs and travel trailers from parking along this corridor. These vehicles are not precluded from parking in this area under Santa Maria Munici pal Code section 7 -5.18, which precludes large vehicles from parking in residential districts. "Residential districts” meaning those properties zoned RA, R -1, RSL-1, R-2, R-3, or RMH, or properties in residential use as defined by Section 12-2.123 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code.
DISCUSSION:
Per Section 22507 (a) of the California Vehicle Code, “Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking, or standing of vehicles, including, but not limited to, vehicles that are six feet or more in height (including any load thereon) within 100 feet of any intersection, on certain streets or highways, or portions thereof, during all or certain hours of the day.”
Per Section 7-5.17 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code, “The City Council, by order duly entered in the minutes of a regular or adjourned regular meeting thereof, shall designate 2 the particular streets or highways or portions thereof upon which parking by vehicles whose overall length exceeds twenty-two (22) feet is prohibited and shall cause signs to be erected on such streets or highways or portions thereof at a distance of not more than one hundred sixty-five (165) feet apart.”
The large vehicle parking restricted zone recommended to be established is described as follows:
Shepard Drive, beginning at the curb return of the southwest curb ramp of the intersection of Shepard Drive and Meehan Street, extending around the cul -de- sac and terminating at the curb return of the southeast curb ramp of the intersection of Shepard Drive and Meehan Street for a total of approximately 2,000 feet.
The Traffic Committee has reviewed the request to establish these restrictions and recommends the establishment of the restrictions to discourage RVs and travel trailers from parking along this corridor.
Alternative(s)
The City Council may choose not to establish a large vehicle parking restriction on Shepard Drive and continue allowing large vehicles to park along the corridor.
Fiscal Considerations
Establishing the large vehicle parking restricted zone will require labor and materials to install the required signs. Staff estimates installation will cost approximately $2,500.
Future maintenance costs associated with sign replacement due to fading, vandalism, or vehicle collisions will be accommodated within the Public Works Department operating budget.
Impact on the Community
The large vehicle parking restriction will increase on -street parking availability for passenger vehicles. Large vehicles will be required to p ark in areas where parking is permitted, which may shift parking demand to other roadways within the City.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Proposed Large Vehicle Parking Restriction Zones on Shepard Drive