Politics & Government
RV Parking Ban To Include Exceptions
A parking permit system will be established to allow certain RV dwellers to remain on a limited basis.
BERKELEY, CA —The Berkeley City Council went forward Tuesday night with a ban on overnight street parking for RVs, despite hours of criticism during public comment, but enforcement will be delayed until a parking permit system can be established to allow certain "RV dwellers" to remain on a limited basis.
The move amends the city's existing parking regulations to make it unlawful to park a recreational vehicle on any street for more than an hour between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. -- compelling hundreds of people living in those RVs to move their vehicle's outside city limits at night.
The city will also make an outreach effort prior to enforcing the overnight parking ban in an attempt to connect those impacted by it with services from a homeless services provider. The services may include funding for RV repair in some cases as well as referrals to health, mental health or addiction services. RV's presenting health and safety concerns, however, may still be subject to immediate enforcement.
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The permitting system has not yet been fully developed, but city documents indicate that two-week permits would be given out on a limited basis and that the locations in which they could be used would need to be spread out among the city's various city council districts. There would also
be a fee involved to cover the city's costs in doing so.
Long-term permits could be issued for up to three months at a time, with the possibility of renewal under specified circumstances that have not yet been determined. Eligibility would depend on criteria already established by Alameda County, factoring in health, disability, age and the presence of children in the household.
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City officials may consider a sliding scale to determine fees associated with the permits, and that it may be necessary to set up a lottery to ensure the spaces are equitably distributed. They'll also be directed to look for properties where permit holders would be able to stay.
The council meeting was adjourned shortly after the vote, with several members of the audience shouting "boo."
— Bay City News
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