Mayor Lurie Launches RV Parking Limit in San Francisco, Enforcements Delayed

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has initiated a new strategy aimed at addressing the visibility of homelessness in the city, particularly focusing on recreational vehicles (RVs) parked on public streets. As of September 1, 2023, the enforcement of a two-hour parking limit for RVs began, although the full implementation of this limit will not take effect until November 2023.

The two-hour parking limit is part of Lurie’s multi-phase approach to manage the growing number of RVs in the city. While the limit was announced in June, the city’s strategy includes a progressive enforcement plan. The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management emphasized that the message is clear: oversized vehicles must no longer be stored on city streets. They stated, “We are pairing that expectation with real pathways to safe, stable housing, followed by consistent enforcement.”

Initially, the program is entering a phase described as “service first outreach.” This phase focuses on providing support and assistance to individuals living in large vehicles. Outreach teams, trained to engage with the RV community, will offer language support and trauma-informed care. In October, the city plans to present housing offers to residents living in these vehicles, a critical step given the ongoing shortage of shelter beds.

Additionally, the city has introduced a unique buyback program aimed at incentivizing residents to relinquish their RVs. According to the announcement, starting in May 2025, San Francisco will offer cash incentives to individuals living in large vehicles as part of an effort to reduce the number of RVs on the streets. While the specific cash amounts have yet to be disclosed, this initiative could provide a viable option for many residents.

The city has been actively monitoring the number of RVs on its streets. The most recent count in June recorded 612 vehicles occupied by residents, an increase from 549 vehicles in March. This rise in numbers occurs before the full rollout of Lurie’s initiatives, suggesting that the problem may be growing even as new measures are proposed.

The parking limit will be enforced across the city, applicable at all hours, seven days a week. However, actual towing of vehicles will not begin until the November enforcement phase, allowing time for outreach and support efforts to take precedence.

As these measures unfold, the city remains focused on balancing enforcement with compassionate support, hoping to create sustainable solutions for homelessness in San Francisco.