No More Free Parking At Tamarack

One of the last great free parking lots on a California beach will soon be gone as the City of Carlsbad, the California Coastal Commission, and California State Parks have settled a lawsuit regarding the installation of a pay parking kiosk at Tamarack surfing beach (click here for previous coverage).

Under the settlement agreement, State Parks will charge hourly parking, with a two hour minimum and a maximum daily charge of $10, the same day rate fee charged at South Carlsbad State Beach’s Ponto beach. The hourly fee has not yet been set but is agreed to be $2 an hour or less. State Parks originally proposed only a day use fee. Under the settlement agreement, the requirements of the coastal development permit for the project that the California Coastal Commission approved will remain in full effect.

The thing that sucks most about this agreement is that it’s going to push even more people up into the neighborhood surrounding Tamarack and there are way too many people parking there already. The only good news is that people with California State Park parking passes will always have a spot at Tamarack because once they start charging for parking the lot will be mostly empty most of the time.

Follow the jump for the official press release from the City of Carlsbad.
CARLSBAD, Calif. – The City of Carlsbad, the California Coastal Commission, and California State Parks have settled a lawsuit over the environmental impacts of paid parking at the state-owned lot at Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard. Part of Carlsbad State Beach, the lot is the entrance to what locals refer to as Tamarack Surf Beach, enjoyed year round by surfers, beach goers and those who enjoy the popular coastal walkways.

Under the settlement agreement, State Parks will charge hourly parking, with a two hour minimum and a maximum daily charge of $10, the same day rate fee charged at South Carlsbad State Beach’s Ponto beach. The hourly fee has not yet been set but is agreed to be $2 an hour or less. State Parks originally proposed only a day use fee. Under the settlement agreement, the requirements of the coastal development permit for the project that the California Coastal Commission approved will remain in full effect.

This compromise allows Carlsbad residents and visitors to continue to enjoy the beach, whether just for a short walk or for the entire day, while providing the state the income it needs to keep the beaches open.

State Parks has the ability to charge fees for beach parking, but it was not allowed to proceed with the installation of the fee collection device as approved by the California Coastal Commission while Carlsbad’s legal challenge was pending. On Oct. 1, 2007, State Parks took the first step toward charging for parking at Tamarack Surf Beach by filing an application with the California Coastal Commission. The City of Carlsbad opposed this move, first through testimony in front of the Coastal Commission and ultimately through a lawsuit. The move to paid parking was delayed by more than one year and until after the 2009 summer season. The settlement was reached prior to any court ruling on the merits of the California Coastal Commission’s approval of State Parks’ application to install the fee collection device.

State Parks has estimated it needs approximately $700,000 a year to operate and maintain Carlsbad State Beach, which spans from just south of Cannon Road to Pine Avenue. State Parks estimates it will generate approximately $590,000 a year from paid parking at Tamarack Surf Beach. State Parks owns the beach and provides lifeguard service, restrooms, picnic areas, showers and parking lots.

State Parks will install an electronic kiosk at the parking lot this fall. The machine, which accepts cash, credit cards and debit cards, will generate a ticket to be displayed in vehicle windshields. State Parks will continue to offer annual parking passes, which will be acceptable at Tamarack Surf Beach and all other State Parks. Passes may be purchased at the State Park office, 2680 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad. State Parks staff will enforce the paid parking. Tickets for non-payment will be approximately $68.50.

Questions and Answers:

Many Carlsbad residents have expressed concern about the state’s decision to charge for parking at the state-owned lot on Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue. The City of Carlsbad has prepared this information to answer some of the most common questions residents have raised.

When will paid parking begin?

Paid parking will begin as soon as California State Parks is able to install the automatic kiosk that will take cash and credit/debit cards and dispense parking passes. This is expected in fall 2009.

How much will it cost?

Originally, State Parks wanted to charge the same $10 day rate as Ponto beach in south Carlsbad. City officials successfully argued that an hourly rate would be more appropriate given the many people who come to enjoy the beach for shorter times, for example, surfers and walkers and people who want to enjoy the sunset. There will be a two hour minimum and under the agreement with the city, State Parks may not charge more than $2 an hour. The maximum charge will be $10.

Why does the state get to charge for parking at a Carlsbad beach?

In Carlsbad, beaches are owned and controlled by the state. State Parks provides lifeguard service, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, trash removal and maintenance at Carlsbad State Beach (Tamarack is part of this beach) and South Carlsbad State Beach. The City of Carlsbad is only in charge of maintaining the upper walkway from Tamarack to Pine and the stairs that lead to the lower beach wall.

Why is the state starting to charge for parking?

California State Parks has the authority to charge for parking at this lot and as a way to increase state revenue has decided to start charging for parking. The state estimates it costs approximately $700,000 annually to operate and maintain the beach from Cannon Road to Pine Avenue (called Carlsbad State Beach), and charging for parking at Tamarack will generate about $590,000 annually. Without this revenue, the state has said it may need to close the beach, meaning no lifeguard service, closed restrooms, and no trash removal and other maintenance.

What did the city do to try to keep the beach accessible for the public?

The City of Carlsbad opposed the state’s original proposal to institute a daily rate for parking and eventually sued the California Coastal Commission over the environmental impacts of the proposed parking fee. As a result, paid parking has been delayed almost two years from when it was proposed in 2007, and after the 2009 summer season. Under a settlement agreement with the state, the city was successful in getting hourly parking at Tamarack, instead of the day rate the state originally proposed.

Why couldn’t the city pay to keep parking free?

Recognizing the important role the beach plays in the quality of life for its residents and with the local tourism economy, the city offered to help subsidize parking at Tamarack as a way to keep the beaches open and accessible to the public. However, the city and the state could not agree to an amount. The state needs $700,000 annually to operate and maintain the beach in this area.

What can Tamarack beach neighbors do if they notice more traffic and parking problems on their streets?

The City of Carlsbad will actively enforce all traffic and parking laws to protect the quality of life of nearby residents. The State Parks and Recreation Department is also required to monitor local neighborhoods and mitigate problems if they occur.

Is the paid parking permanent?

The state has the authority to charge for parking at this lot and may do so as long as it is permitted by the California Coastal Commission (currently for three years starting this fall).

How will parking fees be enforced?

State lifeguards will take on the responsibility of enforcing parking fees. Cars that do not display the proper parking permit will be fined and/or towed.

Where can concerned residents direct further questions and voice their concerns?

The Tamarack beach parking lot is owned and managed by the California State Parks Department. Please contact the California State Parks Department North Sector Superintendent Brian Ketterer at 760-720-6375 or Historic Sector and Public Safety Superintendent Richard Dennison at 619-688-3398.