PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) — Palo Alto could become the latest Bay Area city to limit RV parking.
City leaders were in an hours-long debate on Monday on the new plan to tackle homelessness.
Cities across the Bay Area have added restrictions on RVs since a Supreme Court ruling last summer allowed for expanded crackdowns on unhoused people.
Palo Alto is not pursuing an outright ban on RV parking like other cities.
Bridgitte Baron is ready for her own place. She’s been parked on East Meadow Circle in Palo Alto for the past three years.
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“It’s going to be difficult…none of these people know where to go. And with Spanish being their only language it’s going to be even worse,” Barron said.
On Monday, Palo Alto City Council tackled the complicated topic of RV parking restrictions.
We spoke with Vice Mayor Vicki Veenker right before the meeting.
“I’ve never seen this many, and I know that numbers have almost doubled since the 2023 point in time count to the 2025 point in time count,” Veenker said.
The assistant city manager said it’s about balancing compassion with livability and safety.
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Councilmembers said they’re seeing a surge of complaints from residents and business owners.
“The streets are full of, not only the RVs, but the sewage and waste. And when your children look at you, and your daughter looks you in the eye and says, ‘Dad ,I’m scared to walk down Park Boulevard by myself ,” what do I say to them?,” one public speaker said.
The council went over 10 options and considered a phased approach.
Street cleanups, a buyback program and expanded safe parking options were just a few implementations.
“So, we have a sheer volume problem that we have need to address. So, as I read this packet multiple times, I kept saying where is something where we can fix this problem at scale,” Mayor Ed Lauing said.
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Alicia Garcia is the chief operating officer for WeHOPE, a nonprofit organization that runs the safe sleeping RV parking program in San Jose. Garcia said it’s proven to be effective.
“Interestingly often times, communities are resistant, because they have this idea that it’s going to bring extra problems. But it really actually brings solutions, and it makes things better,” Garcia said.
Back at Meadow Circle, Bridgitte said she now qualifies for rapid rehousing. She’ll be checking out an apartment in San Jose this Wednesday.
“It’s gonna be a little adjustment, but you know, there’s nothing like having your own roof over your head,” Barron said.
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