County of Monterey Board of Supervisors Fact Sheet: Bixby Bridge Parking Moratorium
Meeting Date: Tuesday, June 9
Topic: Parking restrictions near Bixby Bridge in Big Sur
Timeline of Board Actions
• On May 19, 2026, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors voted to move forward with a 12-month moratorium on parking in the immediate vicinity of Bixby Bridge.
• The motion passed 3-0, with Supervisors Chris Lopez and Luis Alejo abstaining.
• On June 9, 2026, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors considered a draft ordinance and approved setting June 23, 2026 as the date to consider adopting the ordinance to prohibit parking at all times on both sides of State Highway 1 near Bixby Bridge for one year while studying long term parking solutions.
• The motion passed 4-0, with Supervisor Chris Lopez abstaining.
• The ordinance will return to the Board of Supervisors for adoption June 23, 2026.
• Required Emergency Coastal Development Permit efforts completed.
• Next steps include applying for a Caltrans encroachment permit.
Implementation Status
• The parking ban is not yet in effect.
• No implementation date has been finalized.
Reasons Cited for the Action
County officials identified several concerns related to increased visitation and congestion around Bixby Bridge, including:
• Emergency vehicle access delays
• Traffic congestion affecting residents, commuters and visitors
• Illegal roadside and in-road parking
• Pedestrian safety concerns
• Increased tourism following the reopening of Highway 1 on Jan. 14
Tourism and Traffic Data Brought Forward in Board Referral
• Northbound traffic at Ragged Point reportedly increased by more than 900% year-over-year.
• Caltrans reported:
o Restaurant and retail guest counts up approximately 40% year-to-date
o Peak weekends nearly doubling previous 2025 levels
Enforcement and Operational Considerations
Officials discussed several enforcement-related issues that still need resolution.
