Santa Barbara County, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- County Code Sec. 9-5.1 & 9-5.2
- Named banned roads
- San Marcos, Painted Cave, Gibraltar Rd
- First-offense fine
- Up to $50
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $200
- Enforcement tool
- Confiscation of the skateboard
Summary
Riding a skateboard is unlawful on three named unincorporated roads, San Marcos Road, Painted Cave Road and Gibraltar Road, and on any posted highway or private property marked "No Skateboards." Violators face fines up to $200 and confiscation of the board.
It shall be unlawful to ride, operate or propel a skateboard or to participate in any exhibition of skateboard operating skills on any public highways listed in subsection (b) and posted with a sign or notice prohibiting such use or on any private property designated for public use when the property has been posted by the owner or person in lawful possession of the premises with a sign or notice prohibiting such use... SAN MARCOS ROAD, from six hundred feet north of Via Parva to State Route 154. PAINTED CAVE ROAD, from State Route 154 to East Camino Cielo. GIBRALTAR ROAD, from city limits of Santa Barbara to East Camino Cielo.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
County Code Sec. 1 defines "skateboard" broadly to include any wheeled device not otherwise classified as a bicycle or SMD, expressly naming roller blades, roller skates, coasters, scooters and toy vehicles alongside skateboards. Sec. 2(a) makes it unlawful to ride, operate or propel a skateboard, or to demonstrate skateboard skills, on any listed highway posted with a prohibition sign, or on private property posted by the owner with a "No Skateboards" or "No Skateboard Use" notice. 5 inches high and 3/8 inch wide in a contrasting color, placed at the entry or posted at least every 60 feet along the restricted area.
Sec. 2(b) names three specific unincorporated roads covered by the ban: San Marcos Road from 600 feet north of Via Parva to State Route 154; Painted Cave Road from State Route 154 to East Camino Cielo; and Gibraltar Road from the city limits of Santa Barbara to East Camino Cielo, all mountain corridors popular with downhill skateboarders.
Violations & Fines
Under Sec. 9-7, a skateboarding violation is an infraction punishable by a fine up to $50 for a first offense, up to $100 for a second violation within one year, and up to $200 for each additional violation within a year. The sheriff's department may also confiscate the skateboard, returnable to a parent if the rider is a minor, or to the rider if 18 or older, upon payment of the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which unincorporated Santa Barbara County roads ban skateboarding?
Can a private property owner ban skateboarding in Santa Barbara County?
What is the penalty for skateboarding where it's banned in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Barbara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Barbara County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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