REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion of Safe Parking and Direction to Pursue Interim Housing, an RV Buyback Program and Designated Oversized Vehicle Permit Parking on City Streets and Find that These Actions are Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262.F
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
This report provides an update on the City's efforts to explore and implement a Safe Parking program to address vehicular homelessness, consistent with prior City Council direction and adopted housing policies. Over the past two years, staff evaluated potential public and private sites, developed a permitting framework, conducted outreach to faith-based organizations, issued a Request for Information and capital grant program, and coordinated with regional partners. Based on this work, staff determined that a safe parking program is not viable nor effective in the City. Available sites are limited, not suitable for large-scale implementation, and would not support a cost-effective program. In addition, no external funding sources have been identified to offset the significant capital and ongoing operating costs.
Given these constraints, staff recommends a shift in strategy. Rather than pursuing safe parking, staff recommends a multi-pronged approach led by the development of an interim housing project (such as tiny homes) as the primary intervention, supported by an RV buy-back program paired with housing assistance, and a permitted oversized vehicle parking program.
These options are presented in order of priority based on their ability to produce measurable housing outcomes, better utilize City resources, and be implemented in the City. Staff recommends that Council direct staff to:
* Conduct a feasibility analysis for an interim housing (tiny homes) project
* Identify and designate an area for permitted parking; and
* Pursue funding opportunities for an RV buy-back program.
Staff will return to Council with im...
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