Trash Fee Lawsuit Settled — Repeals Paid Balboa Park Parking and Cuts Fees

June 4, 2026

A lawsuit challenging San Diego's residential trash collection fees has been resolved through a settlement agreement reached at the start of trial. Local homeowners had sued the city over fees of approximately $44 per month that were implemented under Measure B, arguing they violated state law by significantly exceeding the voter-approved estimate of $23-$29 and the actual cost of providing services. Rather than continue litigation and face additional financial uncertainty, city officials agreed to reduce the trash fees by fifty percent and discontinue charging for parking at Balboa Park.

Who is affected

Local homeowners in San Diego (particularly single-family homeowners who filed the lawsuit)
The City of San Diego
Balboa Park visitors and users

What action is being taken

San Diego is cutting the trash collection fees in half
The city is eliminating paid parking at Balboa Park
Lawsuit opponents are dismissing the lawsuit
Opponents are withdrawing a ballot measure aimed at repealing the fees

Why it matters

This settlement matters because it resolves a significant dispute over whether the city violated Proposition 218 by charging residents substantially more for trash collection than originally estimated and potentially more than the actual cost of services. The outcome reduces the financial burden on single-family homeowners while also restoring free parking access to a major public park, affecting both household budgets and community recreation access.

What's next

The city will completely eliminate paid parking at Balboa Park by early next year.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint