Need a Driver’s Ed refresher? Here are the basics:

• Don’t park in the red.
• Don’t park blocking the sidewalk.
• Don’t park blocking driveways.
• You must park facing the direction of traffic flow.
• Parking is prohibited in alleys unless loading or unloading.

72-hour limit

• Vehicles in Isla Vista cannot remain parked on the same street for over 72 hours.

Crosswalks, driveways, and front yards

• Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or driveway.
• You may not park less than 20 feet from a marked or unmarked crosswalk on the approaching side of the street.
• Parking is prohibited in front yards of residential properties, except on paved driveways.

The biggest impact from parking overcapacity comes down to safety. 

With more cars than parking spots, illegal parking is a common occurrence. Illegal parking drastically increases the danger for pedestrians, bikes, and other drivers. 

• The multitude of parked cars hinders visibility in intersections putting you and others at risk. 

• Obstructing fire hydrants directly impacts the community during an emergency. Don’t let illegal parking be the reason water access is blocked and a home can’t be saved.

• Illegal parking on sidewalks is not just inconvenient – it inhibits handicapped community members’ ability to move freely around Isla Vista.

The solution is simple: don’t bring a car to Isla Vista.

Between great transportation alternatives, access to all the essentials within 1.5 square miles, and reduced cost of living, it’s a no-brainer. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to reduce the safety issues and environmental impact of vehicles in IV.

Saving money:

Car ownership is expensive! Between gas, maintenance, and potential parking tickets, the choice to not bring a car to IV is the financially savvy one. With UCSB’s campus and student essentials all within walking or biking distance, cars sit mostly unused in Isla Vista. The cars that are parking on the street for long periods of time are significantly more likely to be damaged.

Convenience:

Parking in Isla Vista often feels like a game of musical chairs. Save yourself the headache of circling the block for 30 minutes every time you park. The lack of parking interferes with busy school, work, and social schedules. Don’t sacrifice your study and beach time looking for somewhere to park!

Sustainability:

IV is proud to have a long history of eco-consciousness! Be a part of this community legacy by not bringing a car. Choosing alternative transportation is an easy way to be eco-friendly in daily life and reduce your carbon footprint.

As an IV resident, you have access to great transportation alternatives, such as:

Biking and walking: 

Both UCSB's campus and Isla Vista are easily walkable and bikable. Plus, Isla Vista contains all of the essentials such as groceries, restaurants, nail salons, shops, and more within 1.5 square miles.

Buses: 

For trips beyond walking distance, you can take Santa Barbara MTD’s bus lines into Goleta and Santa Barbara.

Another popular option for evening trips to downtown Santa Barbara are UCSB alumni-owned Bill’s Bus or Jump on the School Bus. Bill's Bus runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, transporting Isla Vista residents from IV to downtown SB (EOS or State and Cota) and back. Jump on the School Bus runs on Thursday evenings, transporting Isla Vista residents from IV to downtown SB (Wild Cat Lounge and El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District) and back. Enjoy a fun trip with friends and eliminate the possibility of driving under the influence.

The Wave: 

SBMTD also offers The Wave, an easy to use, microtransit service. Similar to Uber or Lyft, The Wave is an on-demand rideshare service that will take you from point A to point B for a flat rate. It’s as easy as downloading the app, scheduling a pick-up time, and requesting a drop-off within the service zone. The Wave will pick you up directly from the IV Community Center and you’ll be on your way! Look for free vouchers at IVCSD tabling events and find more information here.

Car Rental Apps: 

Explore third-party car rental apps, such as Zipcar or Turo, for errands, daytrips, or weekend excursions. 

Even for trips outside of Santa Barbara county, there are many transportation options that don't require a personal vehicle:

Trains:

Santa Barbara is served by two Amtrak routes. The Pacific Surfliner winds along the Southern California coast between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, while the interstate Coast Starlight travels from Seattle to Los Angeles.

Car Rental Apps: 

Explore third-party car rental apps, such as Zipcar or Turo, for errands, daytrips, or weekend excursions. 

Airbus to LAX: 

For non-SBA flights, you can book a spot on the Airbus which will shuttle you from Goleta or Santa Barbara to LAX.

Facebook Rideshare Groups:

Find carpool opportunities through local or UCSB-adjacent Facebook groups.

No! This is a common misconception about living in IV. Between local grocery stores and delivery services, driving to Goleta or Santa Barbara for groceries is not necessary. Here are a few great options for groceries:

Isla Vista Food Co-Op (IVFC):

Founded in 1972, the IV Food Co-Op has been providing Isla Vista with local, organic groceries for decades. Through a partnership with the IVCSD, you have access to a FREE IVFC membership just from living in IV! Simply bring proof of address to the Co-Op, such as a lease or utility bill, to activate your household's membership and start receiving exclusive discounts on high quality groceries while simultaneously investing in your community by supporting local farmers, small businesses, and the availability of sustainable products. 

Isla Vista Market:

Isla Vista Market is a community grocery store located at 939 Embarcadero Del Mar.

Grocery Delivery Services:

If you don't have time to shop in-person, there are several grocery delivery services to choose from, such as the ones listed below.

Uber One (Uber and Uber Eats):

Students can become a member for half of the regular membership fee.  With use of an active student email, receive 4 weeks of membership free, followed by $4.99 / month or $48 / year.

Snag: 

Receive groceries, snacks, and essentials in minutes through this college delivery service.

Duffl:

A 10-minute delivery service made by students, for students.

For a comprehensive guide to IV’s parking, see IVCSD’s Interactive Map. Find parking lots, permitted areas, and much more!

Explore buying or selling off-street parking spots through Facebook Marketplace or third-party apps. 

You can also reach out to property owners on this sheet to request more information on available spots they have for rent.  Need help drafting your email? Use our email template below, but make sure you customize it to fit your parking needs. 

And since you have a car, consider exploring car rental apps like Turo. Make your rent by renting your car and reduce others’ need for personal vehicles!

Learn more about the Isla Vista parking study and research results HERE.

We’re here to help! Contact us and our team will be in touch shortly.