For an in-depth review of parking laws in Santa Barbara County, head to our Parking Laws webpage. But if you're looking for a quick refresher, here are the basics:

Parking Laws:

• Don’t park in the red,
• Don’t park blocking the sidewalk.
• Don’t park blocking driveways (even your own).
• Park facing the direction of traffic flow.
• Parking is prohibited in alleys unless loading or unloading.
• Don't park blocking a fire hydrant, or within 15 feet of one on either side
• Don't park within 20ft of a marked or unmarked crosswalk (new CA Daylighting Law)
• Don't park where there is a "NO Parking" sign, like on El Nido.
• Don't park in front of a bus stop, in a bike lane, or in a handicapped spot (if you don't qualify).

72-hour limit

• Vehicles in California cannot remain parked in the same parking spot for over 72 hours.

Front Yards

• Parking is prohibited in front yards of residential properties, except on paved driveways.
• Parking in a way that blocks Marborg from servicing your trash may lead to fines from Marborg.

Did you know, on-street parking in Isla Vista is over 100% capacity?

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 if you don't have to.

Between great transportation alternatives, access to all the essentials within 1.5 square miles, and reduced cost of living, being car-free in Isla Vista isn't just doable, it's enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to reduce the safety issues and environmental impact of vehicles in IV.

If you received a ticket for not being in compliance with safety laws in Isla Vista, here are the next steps:

If you have received a parking citation, please verify the administrative party by viewing the front of the citation.

If your citation was administered  by the Isla Vista Community Services District, please read the directions on your citation carefully. 

• Inquiries and payments can be made online, at www.CitationProcessingCenter.com or by calling (800) 989-2058.

• To pay in person, please place the exact amount in cashiers check, money order, or personal check payable to the Isla Vista Community Services District in the drop box located in front of 970 Embarcadero Del Mar, Isla Vista California, 93117 Suite 101. Do not submit cash. 
  • Enclose the notice of parking violation with your payment and/ or proof of corrections. Write your citation number on your payment.

• To pay by mail, please send the exact amount in cashiers check, money order, or personal check payable to the Isla Vista Community Services District. Do not send cash. Enclose the notice of parking violation with your payment and/ or proof of corrections. Write your citation number on your payment. Please note there will be a $25 fee for all returned checks.
  • MAIL TO: ISLA VISTA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICTC/ O CITATION PROCESSING CENTERP. O. BOX 10479NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658-0479

Indigent Payment Plan

An indigent payment plan is available for qualifying low-income individuals. For more information visit www.CitationProcessingCenter.com or call 800-989-2058.

To view qualifications, click here. Please note that all registered owners of the cited vehicle must qualify. 

To pay or appeal citations administered by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office please visit https://www.sbsheriff.org/home/pay-parking-ticket/.

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.

For a comprehensive review of transportation options in Isla Vista, head to our parking + transportation webpage. Here's some of the highlights:

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, including trains, car rental apps, airports, and rideshare groups. For more information, visit the following webpages:

• How Do I Travel Home Without A Car?
• How Do I Visit Downtown Santa Barbara Without a Car?
• How Do I Get Groceries Without a Car?

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.  For more information, visit our webpage: How Do I Get Groceries Without a Car?