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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
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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 re...
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