ENCINITAS — Controversial plans to charge for parking at The Lumberyard shopping center on Coast Highway 101 may violate municipal code, city officials say.
Cornerstone Property Management, which manages the popular outdoor retail area in downtown Encinitas, installed posts and signs across The Lumberyard property earlier in September telling visitors that paid parking would be “coming soon.”
The signs outline proposed parking rates and a validation program for customers of participating Lumberyard businesses, which include a range of restaurants, retail shops, health and wellness spots and professional services.
The posted rates start at $3 for one hour and $20 for a flat rate valid until 11 p.m. The signs state that rates vary by demand, list a daily maximum of $45 and direct visitors to scan a QR code for current rates, including taxes and fees.
The signs also advertise two hours of free parking with validation. Under the posted instructions, visitors would pay for parking first, then validate inside a participating business to receive a refund for their first two hours. The signs indicate that payment is required and that parking rules will be enforced around the clock.
The plans appear to conflict with the Encinitas Municipal Code governing off-street parking, which states the following in Section 30.54.020, subsection F:
“All required off-street parking spaces shall be designated, located, constructed, and maintained so as to be fully usable during workday periods or as needed by the use of the premises, and shall be permanently available without charge to all uses as intended under this title. Valet parking service, with or without charge, may be permitted upon the issuance of a minor use permit.”
At press time, a city spokesperson said it remained unclear whether Cornerstone had applied for permits to allow paid parking.
When asked about the general paid parking strategy, Donna Nelson of Cornerstone said the owners had not yet released any information about their reasoning behind the change.
Nelson could not be immediately reached for comment when The Coast News called back Tuesday to ask specifically about the possible city code violation.
Lumberyard business owners and regular customers expressed frustration and confusion over the potential change from free to paid parking.
Meri Brice, director of the Encinitas 101 Mainstreet Association and owner of Magical Child, which has occupied its current Lumberyard location for 27 years, told The Coast News that “it’s bad for business for everybody.”
“We’re really turning customers away rather than bringing them here,” Brice said. “To me, this whole program is the exact opposite of what we’re trying to do. My goal is to have people come here and stay.”
Brice added that even two hours of free parking with validation would not give customers enough time to take advantage of the center’s complimentary business offerings.
Other business owners who spoke with The Coast News described paid parking as contrary to the advantages of in-person, brick-and-mortar shopping over online shopping, particularly the opportunity to browse and explore.
Brice said business owners “weren’t notified about anything” regarding the rollout of the paid parking plan and that she had heard “nothing but complaints from customers.”
“It doesn’t provide a welcoming, warm atmosphere,” she said. “It doesn’t provide community.”
