Title
Department of Transportation, on behalf of District 4 and District 5, recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 115-2026, increasing the penalty fee for parking illegally along State Highways from $50 to $300 per occurrence and the fee for parking in a snow removal area from $100 to $200 per occurrence on the Parking Penalty Fee Schedule to help deter the public from parking in no-parking zones.
(All Districts)
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The County has experienced a significant rise in the recreational use of local, state, and private lands. This increased demand, coupled with a limited supply of designated parking, has led to a surge in motorists parking illegally along public roadways and Board-sanctioned no-parking zones. While the Board successfully updated the fee schedule in August 2021 (Legistar file 21-1143) to strengthen enforcement, specifically by increasing the fine for parking in snow removal areas from $50 to $100, state highway no-parking zones remained at $50. To ensure safety and effective deterrence, it is necessary to modify the highway citation rates and update snow removal fines to align with those of other neighboring agencies. Despite previous efforts, current fine levels have proven insufficient to deter illegal parking, which continues to cause significant delays for snow removal operations and regional circulation. Law enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), as well as the Department of Transportation, continue to receive frequent complaints about safety and nuisance concerns created by these violations.
Law enforcement and maintenance crews face persistent challenges in managing illegal parking throughout the Tahoe Basin and the American River Confluence. During the winter season, illegal parking in Meyers and the Tahoma area creates significant operational hurdles. These vehicles frequently obstruct traffic flow and encroach on residential access. Most critically, vehicles parked in designated snow removal zones (per County Ordinances 10.12.180 and 10.12.184) force plow operators to bypass entire segments of roadway, leaving residents without essential services for days until the vehicles are removed. In the summer months, the focus shifts to the Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay corridors, as well as State Highway 49 at the Confluence. The current fee structure has proven ineffective as a deterrent, with many motorists choosing to disregard warnings entirely.
The challenges are most acute along a two-mile stretch of State Route 89 near Emerald Bay. This narrow, undivided mountain highway features 10 major recreation destinations, steep terrain, and sheer cliff edges with minimal shoulder access. The infrastructure was not designed for current tourist volumes; the lack of off-street parking frequently results in "standstill" gridlock and hazardous conditions on a 55-MPH roadway. Motorists routinely stop in active travel lanes or park illegally on narrow shoulders, forcing pedestrians and cyclists into the flow of traffic. These violations do more than create a nuisance; they strain law enforcement resources, delay emergency response times, and create a high-risk environment for multi-modal collisions. In many of these critical areas, physical constraints make towing nearly impossible, leaving the citation as the primary enforcement tool. Increasing the fine schedule is a necessary step to educate motorists, discourage these dangerous behaviors, and prioritize the safety of the traveling public.
A widely acknowledged issue is that El Dorado County’s parking fines remain minimal, costing less than a few hours of paid parking in many urban centers. Tourists and locals alike frequently remark online and in person that they are willing to pay the fines, treating them as a small price for lake views and hiking opportunities. These attitudes highlight the need for multi-agency collaboration to reevaluate enforcement strategies and penalties. All participating agencies agree that current fees are insufficient to deter unsafe parking practices.
Based on staff research, El Dorado County’s current approved fees for parking illegally along state highways and in snow removal areas should be increased to maintain consistency with neighboring jurisdictions. Research into regional standards shows that Placer County’s fines range from $100 to $450 for repeat offenses, while the City of South Lake Tahoe charges up to $300 in specific zones and $205 for snow removal areas. Furthermore, Washoe County imposes fines ranging from $200 to $800 for similar violations. Therefore, staff recommends increasing El Dorado County’s fee for state highway no-parking from $50 to $300 per occurrence, and for parking in a snow removal area from $100 to $200 per occurrence. This adjustment aligns with neighboring agencies and provides a meaningful deterrent to protect public safety and ensure County operations.
Transportation staff received letters of support from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor in Placer County (Attachment E).
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Shown above in Discussion/Background.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Chief Administrative Office, Supervisor Parlin, and Supervisor Laine
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety, Infrastructure, Good Governance
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation