Boondocking in San Diego

[FledCali]

Anyone know of a good boondocking spot in San Diego? Doesn't need to be by water just anything in that area. Thanks

[LJowdy]

I spend the summers (July, Aug and Sept.) at the Chula Vista RV resort and get around San Diego quite often. Since San Diego is a beach town and a tourist location there is no free camping anywhere except your Uncle's driveway and that's illegal. The only area's that ""may"" allow camping are way inland and quite frankly I seriously doubt you'll find any free spots.

[udid]

I've never had an issue overnight parking in a strip mall lot and/or super market lot, Walmart, Costco lot etc... in California. Yes, some cities have ordinances regarding it but they are rarely ever enforced.

You can also park on the street near/next to park and be fine as well overnight. The trick is to do not cause trouble and do not dump your trash onto the ground.

[Scarab0088]

This thread never got rolling...and the facts were never specifically cited, so just a warning.

If you try to "urbandock" anywhere within the city of San Diego, you can expect a ticket when you arise.


This is the actual sign posted EVERYWHERE. The police probably will NOT knock on the door (too dangerous for them) to inform you of the law.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...y17-story.html

No, you cannot just park in front of your buddy's house...it's ALL city streets and ANY public parking lot...makes no difference.

If you "hide" the RV where a patrol car might not drive by, you might get away with it, but the police do not just sit around in this town and are constantly on the road - constantly writing tickets.

Plus, if you park in a sleepy neighborhood, a neighbor calling the police will get a response...and you get a ticket...it's $100 first offense.

Best luck

[udid]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

This thread never got rolling...and the facts were never specifically cited, so just a warning.

If you try to "urbandock" anywhere within the city of San Diego, you can expect a ticket when you arise.
Attachment 171757

This is the actual sign posted EVERYWHERE. The police probably will NOT knock on the door (too dangerous for them) to inform you of the law.
San Diego makes RV parking crackdown permanent - The San Diego Union-Tribune

No, you cannot just park in front of your buddy's house...it's ALL city streets and ANY public parking lot...makes no difference.

If you "hide" the RV where a patrol car might not drive by, you might get away with it, but the police do not just sit around in this town and are constantly on the road - constantly writing tickets.

Plus, if you park in a sleepy neighborhood, a neighbor calling the police will get a response...and you get a ticket...it's $100 first offense.

Best luck

Illegal.

Just because a city passes an ordnance doesn't mean it actually has any merit. RV's are vehicles just like any other vehicle on the road only bigger and they generally pay more taxes per fill up.

[udid]

Court rulings over such matters....

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...=.fc9639b71124

http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastor...9/11-56957.pdf

L.A.'s voided law against sleeping in cars costs it $1.1 million in legal fees - LA Times

JURIST - Living in a Vehicle

AB 718 Assembly Bill - Bill Analysis

Court overturns law that bans people from sleeping in cars - NY Daily News

https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/...ar-camping-ban

[Scarab0088]

Errr...wishing these laws are overturned does not prevent a ticket.

The city roadways do not afford the same rights as private property...and the laws specifically/only address oversized vehicles.

A person most surely CAN urbandock in any smaller vehicle as listed in several of the links above...not the same in the eyes of the court

Even HB has this law...has been court tested and stood. And HB puts the length limit at 25', compared to San Diego's 27':
City of Huntington Beach, CA - RV Parking Info

Safe travels

[PbdBlue]

I happen to live near Mission Bay. The area has historically been inundated with derelict motorhomes boondocking on the streets hence the new ordinance and subsequent crackdown. I don't advise boondocking in the area. As for whether or not the ordinance is enforceable do you really want to be the test case?

[saddlesore]

Best to just avoid Cali all together

[udid]

Originally Posted by PbdBlue

I happen to live near Mission Bay. The area has historically been inundated with derelict motorhomes boondocking on the streets hence the new ordinance and subsequent crackdown. I don't advise boondocking in the area. As for whether or not the ordinance is enforceable do you really want to be the test case?

It would only take a lawyer to make mention of the recent 9th Supreme court circuit rulings for a judge to throw it out. If a city wants such an ordnance than it has to apply to everyone.

[udid]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Errr...wishing these laws are overturned does not prevent a ticket.

The city roadways do not afford the same rights as private property...and the laws specifically/only address oversized vehicles.

A person most surely CAN urbandock in any smaller vehicle as listed in several of the links above...not the same in the eyes of the court

Even HB has this law...has been court tested and stood. And HB puts the length limit at 25', compared to San Diego's 27':
City of Huntington Beach, CA - RV Parking Info

Safe travels

Cites such as HB have indeed stepped beyond the law. For instance....you allowed to park your RV on your driveway (private property) in HB?

[PbdBlue]

Originally Posted by udidwht

It would only take a lawyer to make mention of the recent 9th Supreme court circuit rulings for a judge to throw it out. If a city wants such an ordnance than it has to apply to everyone.

So do you want to be the guy that does this? Seems like a major hassle just to save a few bucks. The city is pretty serious about this ordinance. The City Attorney reviewed and approved it. Boondocking on the streets of San Diego has become a major issue and the neighborhoods are fed up with it. I question whether the courts would agree with your expert legal opinion. I'm guessing your chances are 50/50 at best.

[PbdBlue]

Just for the record here's the "illegal" ordinance:

§86.0139 Prohibition of Parking of Oversized Vehicles, Non-Motorized Vehicles, and
Recreational Vehicles
Except as provided in section 86.0140 or otherwise expressly provided to the contrary
herein, or unless such parking or standing is authorized by the City Manager and
appropriate signs permitting such parking or standing are posted:
(a) It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing upon any public street,
park road, or parking lot, any oversized vehicle, non-motorized vehicle, or
recreational vehicle between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing within 50 feet of any
intersection of public streets, a public street and park road, a public street and
alley, or a park road and alley, as measured from the prolongation of the curb
lines or the edge of the pavement of the cross street or alley, any oversized
vehicle, non-motorized vehicle, or recreational vehicle at any time.
(“Prohibition of Parking of Oversized, Non-Motorized and Recreational Vehicles”
added 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)
(Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.)
(Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.)

And the permit exception. To qualify for a permit you must be a local resident:

(f) Section 86.0139(a) does not apply to any vehicle displaying a valid permit
issued pursuant to section 86.0143.
(“Exceptions to Prohibition on Parking of Oversized, Non-Motorized and
Recreational Vehicles” added 8-5-2013 by O-20281 N.S.; effective 9-4-2013.)
(Amended 7-17-2014 by O-20382 N.S.; effective 8-16-2014.)
(Amended 6-22-2016 by O-20655 N.S.; effective 7-22-2016.)

And the permit application site:

https://www.sandiego.gov/parking/permits/torvp

[Sweetbriar]