The San Jose City Council Jan. 30 unanimously approved—with one councilmember absent—for city staff to create a pilot program that would ban RVs from parking within 150-feet of K-12 schools. Those who violate the possible new rule would have their vehicle towed.
The city previously banned RV encampments under the same criteria in May 2021, according to Heather Hoshii, the city’s deputy director of transportation, during a presentation at the meeting.
However, California’s vehicle code, which Ms. Hoshii called “outdated,” limited the city’s authority to enforce it. California rules also limit cities’ ability to tow vehicles.
In light of those rules, Ms. Hoshii recommended the city, instead, create a pilot program to establish, enforce, and support RV parking tow-away zones, at three K-12 schools that have been most impacted by such.
City staff will work with the city attorney to create a program that complies with the state’s vehicle codes.
Additionally, the city will explore permits for RV parking in a designated parking lot.
City staff is expected to present a resolution for the council’s approval in the coming weeks.
Over the last few years, locals have told councilmembers the RVs pose safety risks for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Some have complained about RVs discarding biowaste in streets and storm drains, Ms. Hoshii said.
Most recently, many—including students of schools impacted by RV encampments—spoke in support of the ban during public comment.
One student claimed that unhoused individuals—possibly those living in nearby RVs—have been breaking into schools and stealing from classrooms.
“Our classroom windows have been shattered at least five times,” the student said. “Besides those incidents, items that have been stolen include laptops, canopies for paintings, athletic jerseys, P.E. equipment and more.”
However, those who oppose the resolution argue that it would lead to “oppression” of the unhoused.
Dozens of local charity and community organizations signed a Jan. 29 letter to the council opposing the resolution.
“RV and encampment bans give strength to the false national narrative that deliberately equates crime with homelessness and homelessness with crime,” the letter stated, calling on the council to contribute more of its resources to house and support the unhoused.
There are likely nearly 850 vehicles—including RVs and cars—in the city that are lived in, Ms. Hoshii told the council.
