A sign warns drivers not to park on the east side of this part of Ocean Street 5-7 a.m. Thursdays.

A sign warns drivers not to park on part of Ocean Street 5-7 a.m. Thursdays. The city plans to issue first warnings, then increasing fees for cars parked during street sweeping hours. (Nik Altenberg — Santa Cruz Local)

SANTA CRUZ >> Today, the City of Santa Cruz begins weekly two-hour parking bans on streets in Harvey West, Midtown and Westside for a street sweeping pilot program. City staff may ticket or tow vehicles that violate the restrictions.

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The one-year street-sweeping pilot program includes parts of:

  • Coral Street, Harvey West Boulevard, Dubois Street and Encinal Street in Harvey West.
  • Ocean Street, Soquel Avenue and Water Street in Midtown.
  • Delaware Avenue, Swanton Boulevard, Mission Street, Mission Street Extension and Natural Bridges Drive on the Westside.

No parking hours and street sweeping operations are planned for 5-7 a.m. on certain weekdays. Street sweeping areas are marked with signs.

Parking in these areas during street sweeping hours could incur: 

  • A warning for the first violation. 
  • $48.00 for a second violation. 
  • $96.00 for a third violation.
  • $144.00 for each additional violation.

City staff may tow some vehicles “as a last resort,” in emergencies or ahead of storms, according to a staff report published in 2024. The city cannot tow vehicles for unpaid parking tickets without a court order.

The street sweeping program targets areas that a report found to have more trash than the rest of city streets. By moving cars and allowing street sweepers against curbs, the program aims to clear trash that could wash down city storm drains into creeks, the San Lorenzo River, and the Monterey Bay. 

For more information, 

Contact the city’s department of public works at [email protected] or 831-420-5160.

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Reporter / California Local News Fellow |  + posts

Jesse Kathan is a staff reporter for Santa Cruz Local through the California Local News Fellowship. They hold a master's degree in science communications from UC Santa Cruz.