Menu

Parks & Recreation

Site Menu

Expressive Activity in Parks

All forms of speech and expressive conduct, including:

  1. the distribution of non-commercial information.
  2. solicitation of funds, donations, subscriptions, or signatures for a charity, religious organization, nonprofit organization, or a government entity.
  3.  performances.
  4. the sale of artwork, recordings of performances, or other items that are inherently communicative in nature and have only nominal value or purpose apart from its communication.

Items that are inherently communicative in nature include newspapers, leaflets, pamphlets, bumper stickers, buttons, books, audio, video, compact discs, video discs, records, visual art sold by the artist, including prints of the artist’s visual art, political campaigning activity such as distribution of campaign signs, stickers, or other campaign materials, face painting, and painting henna tattoos.

Individuals conducting expressive activities must familiarize themselves with the locations identified for expressive activities or areas.

Individuals will be required to relocate if they are obstructing designated emergency ingress or egress routes, including blocking the sidewalk in a manner that reduces the useable sidewalk area to less than 48 inches.

SDMC § 63.0503(b)(3)

Expressive Activity Area Maps

Balboa Park

Shoreline Park

Expressive Activity Areas

Expressive Activity Zones are available on a first-come, first-served basis, to persons who desire to use equipment, including a table, easel, stand, chair, umbrella, sunshade, or other furniture as part of their expressive activity. These areas are 4 feet by 8 feet or 8 feet by 8 feet, as indicated by blue brackets painted on the ground.

SDMC § 63.0503(b)(1), SDMC § 63.0504(b)

A person may only use one area at a given time. SDMC § 63.0504(d)

Expressive activity locations are subject to change during special events permitted pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 40 of the San Diego Municipal Code. SDMC § 63.0504(a)(4)

Expressive activity locations are not designated for sidewalk vending or sales and are strictly for expressive activities. SDMC § 63.0504(c)

Areas may not be sold, bartered, exchanged, or reserved for another person. SDMC § 63.0504(e)

It is unlawful to carry on or conduct commercial activity, to provide any service, or to solicit offers for the same without the written consent of the City Manager. SDMC § 63.0102(c)(14)

It is unlawful to post any items upon any tree, shrub, or plant. SDMC § 63.0102(c)(1)

It is unlawful to behave in a boisterous, indecent, riotous, or threatening manner.

SDMC § 63.0102(c)(16) SDMC § 56.27

It is unlawful to litter. SDMC § 63.0102(c)(8)

Sound-making devices and amplification are regulated. SDMC § 59.5.0502(f)

Areas with equipment shall not be left un-attended unless actively setting up or breaking down.

SDMC § 54.0105(a)

It is unlawful to damage city property, including but not limited to, turf, shrubbery, or irrigation system.

SDMC § 63.0102(c)(4), SDMC § 63.0102(c)(5)

It is unlawful to open or close any valves or switches pertaining to the water or electric services in any park or plaza. SDMC § 63.0102(c)(28)

Activities involving fire or any generally prohibited weapons are prohibited.

SDMC § 63.0102(c)(11), CPC § 16590

Holistic health care, including physical massage and healing techniques, is prohibited. SDMC § 33.4407

Possession or being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics is strictly prohibited. SDMC § 56.54(b)

It is unlawful to possess any container made of glass. SDMC § 63.0102(c)(7)

The 10-foot area immediately surrounding the space must be kept clean and free of trash and debris associated with their activity. SDMC § 63.0102(c)(8)

Unobstructed access to fire hydrants and minimum widths and clearances of fire apparatus access roads shall be maintained at all times. CFC 507.5.4 & 503.4

Expressive activity does not include: the sale of food; the sale or creation of handcrafts, skin care and beauty products; the sale of natural found items, such as stones and gems; the provision of person- al services, such as massage or hair styling; the application of substances or hand- crafts to others such as piercings or skin care products; teaching yoga or exercise classes; or the creation or sale of mass- produced merchandise or visual art.

To Report Violations

Citywide Park Ranger Duty Line
619-985-3319

Balboa Park Ranger Duty Line
619-235-1122

Shoreline Park Ranger Duty Line
858-581-9982

Regional and Open Space Parks