Santa Cruz looking at restricted parking for RVs

Complaints of illegal dumping and drug use have the city of Santa Cruz reviewing its rules on RVs. To address the concerns, city leaders introduced a new overnight parking program Wednesday night.

City staff said they have been getting complaints from residents that RV owners are dumping sewage and trash on city streets. But others argue many of those people living in their RVs have no other option.

“I know lots of people that live in their cars and it’s no picnic
but it’s all they have,” said homeless advocate Pat Colby.

Colby said she sees it everyday — people taking shelter in their cars or RVs because it’s cheaper than paying rent.

“People are renting bedrooms for like $900 to $1,000,” said Colby.

Still, city leaders said RVs are camping in neighborhoods for too long and breaking the law. The new program would prohibit parking overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., excluding SUV’s, vans and large trucks.

But some feel public streets should be open at all times.

“There’s been a creeping privatization of public space and
increasing restrictions on public space,” said Santa Cruz resident John Colby.

To help the homeless, city staff introduced the idea of safe zones, giving them a legal place to park overnight but for only women, children and transgender people.