PRESS RELEASE. From the City of Pacifica on July 29th, 2026.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Pacifica, CA) — Beginning July 29, 2026, the City of Pacifica will close the Pacifica State Beach North and South Parking Lots (Linda Mar Beach) to vehicles between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The City applied for a Coastal Commission Emergency Permit for the overnight closure of the parking lots due to the escalating public safety, vandalism, and dumping consequences from allowing vehicles to remain continuously and function as long-term residences. The growing concentration of vehicles in the
lots overnight has also degraded public access and reduced the public’s ability to access and enjoy the area.
On July 24, 2026, the Coastal Commission issued Emergency Permit G-2-26-0027 for the closure of the parking lots. The initial closure period is for 90 days. The City is processing a full Coastal Development Permit for the permanent overnight closure of the parking lots.
The City began notifying the public and vehicle owners in the parking lots on Friday, July 24, 2026, about the upcoming overnight closure. The City’s communication efforts have included referrals to social service resources.
Copies of the application and the Emergency Permit are available under the July 24th “For the Record” at: For the Record | City of Pacifica.
This overnight closure of the parking lots will help ensure that everyone in the public continues to have safe and reliable access to the coast.
Contact: City of Pacifica – City Manager’s Office
(650) 738-7409
cmoffice@pacifica.gov
Letter to the Coastal Commission
The City of Pacifica implemented a temporary overnight closure of the Linda Mar Beach parking lots due to health and safety concerns. This decision was made to address issues such as vandalism, unsanitary waste, illegal dumping, and prolonged vehicle habitation, which were creating significant risks and discouraging public use.
However, the California Coastal Commission required the parking lots to remain open at all times, as per the existing Coastal Development Permit (CDP No. 2-19-0586). The City complied with this directive and reopened the parking lots to 24-hour public access. The City is working with the Coastal Commission to clarify requirements and determine appropriate measures for addressing nighttime conditions at the beach.
Author: mdrag
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