Santa Barbara County, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight street ban
- None countywide; 72-hour rule applies
- Posted highway hours
- 1:00 a.m.-6:00 a.m. where signed (Sec. 23-11)
- County lots overnight
- No parking 11 p.m.-5 a.m. (Ord. 5163, 12A-24)
- Safe Parking Program
- Designated County lots exempt
- EV charging exception
- Overnight allowed at County chargers
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Barbara County has no blanket overnight ban on residential roads; the limit is the 72-hour rule. The County may post county highways as no-parking between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. by resolution (Sec. 23-11). In County off-street lots, parking is banned from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless part of the Safe Parking Program (Ordinance 5163).
Except as specifically authorized by the Director of the Department of General Services, or as otherwise validly authorized pursuant to County ordinance or resolution, it is unlawful for any person to stop, stand, or park any vehicle between the hours of eleven p.m. and five a.m. in any off-street parking area owned or operated by the County of Santa Barbara.
Full Breakdown
There is no countywide ordinance banning overnight on-street parking in unincorporated residential neighborhoods. On a county road, an overnight-parked vehicle is generally permitted within the 72-hour limit (Chapter 23, Article III) unless a specific restriction is posted. window; these take effect only where signs are posted. in any off-street lot owned or operated by the County, except where authorized by the Director of General Services. That ordinance also recognizes the County's Safe Parking Program: certain County lots are designated for overnight parking for those in need, consistent with Martin v.
City of Boise (9th Cir. 2019), and overnight parking for electric-vehicle charging at County charging stations is allowed (Sec. 12A-24(c)). or other restriction applies, while County lots are off-limits overnight outside the Safe Parking Program.
Violations & Fines
On streets, an overnight vehicle becomes a violation if it exceeds 72 hours or sits in a posted 1 a.m.-6 a.m. no-parking zone. In County off-street lots, parking between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. outside the Safe Parking Program or EV-charging exception violates Ordinance 5163 (Sec. 12A-24) and is subject to administrative penalty and towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is overnight street parking allowed in unincorporated Santa Barbara County?
Can I park overnight in a County parking lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Barbara County
How Santa Barbara County compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Barbara County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.