Encinitas parking study explores impact of outdoor dining

ENCINITAS — While outdoor dining spaces in downtown Encinitas have reduced the parking supply, ample parking is still within a reasonable walking distance during peak business hours, according to a study presented Wednesday night to the Encinitas City Council.

The study, presented by Senior Mobility Planner Evan Jedynak, assessed parking conditions, supply and demand, and future considerations for mobility along Coast Highway 101 and Vulcan-San Elijo corridors throughout Leucadia, Old Encinitas and Cardiff, taking into account both weekday and weekend patterns.

Specifically, the study explored the impact of outdoor dining spaces along Coast Highway 101, which were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The outdoor dining spaces do affect the supply of parking adjacent to destinations along Coast Highway in downtown,” Jedynak said during his presentation. “But the outdoor dining spaces have no impact on parking availability near coastal access points … [as] most outdoor dining establishments are also at least a quarter mile walking distance from any beach access point.”

Jedynak said that even though parking demand was higher near downtown restaurants and businesses during peak business hours, there was still enough parking within a fairly short walking distance, beyond 1/8 mile but within 1/4 mile.

Additionally, the study found that outdoor dining spaces do not impact parking availability near coastal access points, as these establishments are located at least a quarter mile away from beach access.

Raoul Villamar, owner of the Encinitas Barber Shop downtown, expressed frustration during public comment over the ongoing parking issues in downtown Encinitas, particularly the impact on his barbershop business.

Villamar, like other downtown business owners, has long voiced his frustrations over a lack of parking due to the city’s installation of outdoor dining parklets. He said his shop’s parking lot has only five spots, including one for handicapped customers, and many of his clients — especially those with disabilities — can no longer find parking due to the outdoor dining areas.

“I have a lot of customers that are handicapped and they don’t come to my barbershop anymore because there’s nowhere to park,” he said. 

Villamar questioned why the city hasn’t restored parking regulations to pre-COVID conditions and voiced his dissatisfaction with how the city has managed the situation.

“You folks took our parking,” Villamar said. “When are we going to get our parking back?”

Despite sustained pushback from some local business owners and residents, the council has agreed to continue using outdoor dining parklets in public right-of-way parking spaces. In June, the council adopted a resolution charging restaurant owners a monthly right-of-way usage fee of $2.50 per square foot for outdoor dining areas.

The study recommended continuing to monitor parking conditions, exploring shared public parking agreements with private lots, and evaluating the possibility of using City Hall parking for public use during weekends and non-business hours. 

According to the presentation, the parking study itself does not trigger an environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, as it is considered an organizational or administrative action. However, based on the study’s findings, an environmental review will take place prior to any future ordinances.

The City Council expressed general support for the study and discussed potential next steps, including looking into valet parking options and advanced parking management technologies.

The parking study is part of a broader effort to balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors in Encinitas’ popular coastal zones while promoting walkability and sustainable transportation.