San Diego, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SDMC §142.0510(e)
- Front/street side yard parking
- Driveway only, not open lawn
- Vehicle must not block
- More than one required space
- Sidewalk encroachment
- Prohibited
- Side/rear yards
- Allowed, subject to surfacing rules
Summary
San Diego bars parking off-street spaces or vehicles in a required front or street side yard except on a legal driveway, per SDMC §142.0510(e).
(e) Parking in Required Yards. Parking in required yards is subject to the following regulations:
(1) Off-street parking spaces shall not be located in any required front or street side yard except as otherwise provided in the particular zone or by Section 142.0510(f).
(2) No vehicle shall be parked in any required front or street side yard except where permitted by a particular zone, or except as provided below:
(A) An operable vehicle may be temporarily parked on a legal driveway within a required front or street side yard if the vehicle does not in any way impede access to or from more than one required parking space, including tandem spaces, or encroach upon any public sidewalk. Except as specifically permitted by the applicable zone, the use of a driveway to
satisfy off-street parking space requirements is not permitted.
(B) Unless restricted or prohibited by applicable zone or other regulations, operable vehicles may be parked in parking spaces within side and rear yards, subject to all applicable screening, surfacing, landscaping, and other requirements of the Land
Full Breakdown
Under San Diego Municipal Code §142.0510(e), off-street parking spaces cannot sit in a required front or street side yard unless a specific zone allows it. A vehicle may only be parked there on a legal driveway, and only if it does not block access to more than one required parking space (including tandem spaces) or encroach on a public sidewalk. Using a driveway to satisfy off-street parking requirements is otherwise not permitted. Side and rear yard parking is allowed subject to screening, surfacing, and landscaping rules.
Violations & Fines
Parking a vehicle on unpaved front/street-side yard, off a legal driveway, or blocking a required parking space or sidewalk violates §142.0510(e) and is enforceable as a code violation subject to Development Services abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on my front lawn in San Diego?
Can a driveway count as a required parking space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Driveway Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle driveway rules.