Community Update from Officer Surwilo on “Oversized Vehicle Ordinance”

from SDPD Officer David Surwilo / OB Crime Watch Facebook

Re: Neighborhood Parking Protection Ordinance (NPPO) sometimes referred to as the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance (OVO)

Greetings Community Members,

The Neighborhood Parking Protection Ordinance (NPPO) us sometimes referred to as the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance (OVO). There has been some confusion and frustration expressed regarding the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance. I hope to shed some light on the subject as well as give you direction on how to report these violations.

The Neighborhood Parking Protection Ordinance (NPPO) creates safer streets and neighborhoods through minimizing the negative effects of oversized vehicles, such as RVs, trailers, and boats, parking on public streets. Specifically, Municipal Code section 86.0139(a) prohibits oversized, non-motorized and recreational vehicles from parking on public streets between the hours of 2:00a.m. – 6:00 a.m. Section 86.0139(b) prohibits parking any such vehicle within fifty (50) feet of an intersection at any time.

Oversized vehicle definition (SDMC 81.0102):

“any vehicle including any attached trailers, vehicles or loads thereon that exceeds 27 feet in length and 7 feet in height” (excludes recreational vehicles). Non-motorized vehicle definition (SDMC 81.0102): “any trailer or trailer bus as defined in vehicle code section 630 and 636.”

Through a permitting process, City of San Diego residents may obtain a Temporary Overnight Recreational Vehicle Permit (TORVP) online, which will allow for the overnight parking of recreational vehicles only on the resident’s block. TORVP’s cannot be issued to oversized and/or non-motorized vehicles.

Recreational vehicle definition (SDMC 81.0102):

“ (a) any camp trailer, camper, trailer coach, or house car , as defined in Vehicle Code sections 242, 243, 635 or California Health and safety Code Section 18010; or (b) any boat, dune buggy, all terrain(ATV) or other motorized or towed vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for recreational purposes.”

Citations may be issued for violations of Section 86.0139(a) when a prior warning has been issued and verified. No prior warning is required prior to enforcing Section 86.0139(b) through the issuance of a citation. Vehicles violating the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance cannot be towed for that violation. Citations are the only current means of enforcement.

Exemption for Disabled Placards- Recreational or oversized vehicles displaying disabled placards may be exempt from the NPPO if the disabled placard or plate is assigned to the recreational or oversized vehicle. However, if the disabled placard is not assigned to the registered owner of the vehicle, a citation for 86.0139(a) shall be issued.

Please see City of San Diego website for further details: http://www.sandiego.gov/parking/permits

If you would like to report a violation, please call SDPD Communications at 619-531-2000, an incident will be generated. Depending on the time of day, the dispatcher will either hold the call for a patrol officer or a PISO (Police Investigative Service Officer) to respond.

In regards to the 2am-6am violation, it will be evaluated during those hours. Again, citizens can call during the day but depending on the violation an officer may need to respond during the early morning hours. Here at Western Division, our PISO works 9 p.m. – 7 a.m. 4 days a week. All other days patrol officers working those hours will respond.

Officer David Surwilo