Santa Barbara County, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)

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. California Vehicle Code Section 22507 and County Code Section 23-11 allow the Board of Supervisors to designate stretches of county highway where parking is prohibited during set hours, including the common 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. window; these take effect only where signs are posted. Off-street County parking facilities are treated more strictly: under Ordinance 5163 (adopted October 4, 2022), Section 12A-24 makes it unlawful to stop, stand, or park any vehicle between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. 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)). Practically, overnight on-street parking is allowed unless a posted 1 a.m.-6 a.m. or other restriction applies, while County lots are off-limits overnight outside the Safe Parking Program.