San Francisco RV ban, parking restriction sparks concern from neighboring communities
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Lines of RV's parked throughout the streets of San Francisco could soon be gone.
"We are sending the message is not the place to come," said Rafael Mandelman, President of the SF Board of Supervisors.
On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of supervisors voted to officially restrict RV's from parking in city streets. The first step is giving a selected number of RV's a permit to park on the streets for up to six months while they go through the housing process.
In May, the city identified 437 RVs with people living in them. That's the group the city is promising to help find housing as it gets closer to officially restrict RV's across the city, but if they don't get housing many are wondering where to go next.
"What is the city's plan during those 6 months? During the 6 months there is going to be a lot of outreach to those folks in RV's there are going to be case managers trying to find them alternative housing," said Sup. Mandelman.
We went to the Lake Merced Boulevard area and met this mom of two who has lived in this RV for a year. Both her and her husband have jobs but don't make enough to pay for rent and a security deposit.
Luz Pena: "What is your plan?"
Dayeira Salazar: "We are planning to move to another city."
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Truth is San Francisco has a housing and shelter shortage. So many know they may not be able to get into housing within 6 months.
"Folks may drive to nearby cities. I hope that we are able to find permanent housing solution for folks," said Sup. Mandelman.
MORE: San Francisco board votes to restrict RV parking across city
Right below, San Francisco is San Mateo County which in 2021 restricted any vehicles from parking more than 4 hours in certain locations. San Francisco's latest ban is now concerning them.
"What I'm afraid of is that San Francisco's problems are going to be San Mateo County problems. Local jurisdictions. We have 20 cities in towns we have been proactive in this area but what I'm afraid of is that we may have a caravan or an exodus of campers running through San Mateo County," said David Canepa, San Mateo Co. Board of Supervisor President.
We drove down to Pacifica another city south of San Francisco. Where RV residents are required to move every 72 hours.
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We noticed many vehicles with parking citations. Yet, residents are worried Pacifica doesn't enforce their ordinance hard enough.
"Those people from San Francisco would come to Pacifica because we have been so lax. Pacifica is actually recommended in van life for an easy place to crash," said Richard a Pacifica resident.
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Supervisor Mandelman is hoping their decision leads to a wider solution.
"We have to be cooperating across the region, across the state," said Sup. Mandelman.
San Francisco is planning to begin enforcing the two-hour parking restrictions in the fall. Vehicles that are moved are at risk of getting towed.
