County of Monterey Board of Supervisors Fact Sheet: Bixby Bridge Parking Moratorium

County of Monterey Board of Supervisors Fact Sheet: Bixby Bridge Parking Moratorium

Meeting Date: Tuesday, May 19
Topic: Proposed parking restrictions near Bixby Bridge in Big Sur

Board Actions Taken
• The County of Monterey Board of Supervisors voted to move ahead with a
12-month moratorium on parking in the immediate vicinity of Bixby Bridge.
• The motion passed 3-0, with Supervisors Chris Lopez and Luis Alejo abstaining.
• County staff were directed to:
o Draft a temporary ordinance establishing parking restrictions.
o Return the ordinance to the board for at least two rounds of review before implementation.
o Pursue required permits from Caltrans and Coastal Commission process.

Implementation Status
• The parking ban is not yet in effect.
• No implementation date has been finalized.
• The original goal of implementing restrictions before Memorial Day weekend was delayed due to:
o Permitting requirements
o Staffing needs
o Enforcement planning

Reasons Cited for the Action
County officials identified several concerns related to increased visitation and congestion around Bixby Bridge, including:
• Emergency vehicle access delays
• Traffic congestion affecting residents and commuters
• Illegal roadside and in-road parking
• Pedestrian safety concerns
• Increased tourism following the reopening of Highway 1 on Jan. 14

Tourism and Traffic Data Brought Forward in Board Referral

• Northbound traffic at Ragged Point reportedly increased by more than 900% year-over-year.
• Caltrans reported:
o Restaurant and retail guest counts up approximately 40% year-to-date
o Peak weekends nearly doubling previous 2025 levels Enforcement and Operational Considerations

Officials discussed several enforcement-related issues that still need resolution:
• Determining whether enforcement costs will be covered by the county, the state, or both
• Preliminary estimates projected approximately $15,300 per month for one CHP officer working weekends
• Additional enforcement options under consideration include:
o Monterey County Sheriff-based enforcement agreements
o Drone monitoring

Concerns Raised During Board Discussion
Some supervisors expressed concerns regarding:
• Potential legal issues involving California Coastal Commission regulations
• Whether a full parking ban could shift congestion into travel lanes
• The need for active enforcement to prevent unsafe roadside stopping

Next Steps
• County staff will prepare draft ordinance language.
• The ordinance will return to the Board of Supervisors for additional public review and approval before any restrictions are implemented.
• Emergency Coastal Development Permit efforts will begin
• Caltrans permitting efforts will begin.