Pacifica, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Parking limit
- 72 consecutive hours
- Required move distance
- 1,000 feet (about 0.2 mile)
- Cool-down period
- 24 hours before returning
- Exempt vehicles
- Safe-parking program permit holders
- Enforcing agency
- Police Division, Dept. of Public Safety
Summary
In the City of Pacifica, no vehicle may sit parked on any highway, street, road or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours under Pacifica Municipal Code § 5-2.03(a). Once that limit is hit, the vehicle must move at least 1,000 feet away and cannot return within 1,000 feet of the same spot for 24 hours.
(a)No person who owns or has the possession, custody, or control of any vehicle shall park such vehicle or leave the vehicle standing upon any highway for a period of more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours. Any vehicle that has been parked or left standing in the same location or parking spot for seventy-two (72) consecutive hours must be moved at least one thousand (1,000) feet (approximately two-tenths (2/10) of a mile) from its current location and may not return to within one thousand (1,000) feet (approximately two-tenths (2/10) of a mile) of the same location or parking spot for at least twenty-four (24) hours after its departure.
Full Breakdown
02. 03(a) sets the mechanics: a vehicle left in the same spot for 72 consecutive hours must be moved at least 1,000 feet, about two-tenths of a mile, away, and it cannot come back within that same 1,000-foot radius for at least 24 hours after it leaves. A vehicle is in violation either if it never moved the full 1,000 feet, or if it returns within 24 hours of moving. 1207. 03(d) requires the police chief or a designee to follow Vehicle Code Section 22852's post-storage notice and hearing rules for the registered and legal owner.
05 requires a warning notice affixed to the vehicle stating it will be removed if not moved within the next 72 hours, and that it cannot return within 1,000 feet for 24 hours after departure. 06(b) presumes the violation confirmed.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle towed under this chapter is impounded and released only under California Vehicle Code post-storage procedures administered by the police chief's designee. Administrative costs of removal are fixed by Council policy under Section 5-2.04 and charged in addition to towing and storage fees. Owners who request a hearing and do not appear, in person or in writing, are conclusively presumed to be in violation under Section 5-2.06(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I park on a Pacifica street before it's a violation?
How far do I have to move my car to reset the clock?
Does this rule apply to people using the safe parking program?
What happens before my car actually gets towed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pacifica
How Pacifica compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Pacifica to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Overnight Parking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle overnight parking.