San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has recently approved a citywide ban on long-term recreational vehicle (RV) parking, a move expected to significantly impact the over 1,400 individuals currently living in vehicles across the city. This decision, which mandates RVs to relocate every two hours unless a permit is secured, is part of a broader effort to address vehicular homelessness and reclaim public spaces. The policy is seen by some as targeting those living in RVs, particularly in areas like the Great Highway, where reduced traffic has led to concerns about increased RV presence.
The new legislation, backed by Mayor Daniel Lurie as part of his "Breaking the Cycle" plan, aims to balance compassion with accountability. City officials indicate that the policy will pair comprehensive outreach and housing services with enforcement of new parking regulations. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and Police Department will enforce the restrictions, with towing services engaged if offers of shelter or housing are rejected.
Critics, however, argue that the ban criminalizes homelessness and pushes vulnerable populations into further instability. Jennifer Friedenbach, Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness, expressed concern that the policy forces people out of RVs, potentially leading to more individuals on the streets. Advocates highlight that many RV dwellers turned to vehicles as a last resort due to the city's high rents and job losses, with 90 percent of unsheltered families in San Francisco reportedly living in vehicles.
The Great Highway, a prominent thoroughfare, has been a focal point of this issue, with past efforts to clear RV encampments and reconfigure the roadway. A social media post observed, > "I believe this is aimed at RV homeless. Because there’s no traffic in the Great Highway anymore city is probably afraid they’re start parking all over." This sentiment reflects local concerns about the changing use of public spaces.
While the city's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing insists the policy will be a last resort, critics point to a lack of sufficient affordable housing and safe parking sites. Despite assessing dozens of sites, San Francisco has yet to secure a suitable location for a dedicated RV safe parking program. The new policy is anticipated to go into effect in the fall, leaving hundreds of RV residents facing uncertain futures.