Seattle moves to sharply limit RV parking
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Seattle City Council on Tuesday approved new restrictions on RV parking.
Why it matters: The suite of legislation passed by the City Council seeks to address longstanding complaints about RV encampments, but critics warn they could leave some of Seattle's most vulnerable residents without shelter.
Driving the news: The City Council voted 6-3 to approve the core parking restrictions within a broader six-bill legislative package, sponsored by Councilmember Dan Strauss, that ultimately passed 8-1.
- The package sharply limits how long unpermitted RVs can park on city streets while establishing a permit system for vehicle residents.
What's inside:
- People living in RVs could qualify for free permits allowing longer parking in designated industrial areas, but they must own their vehicles and be included in a one-time city count of RV residents that has yet to take place.
- RVs and other oversize vehicles without permits generally could park on city streets for no more than two hours, with overnight parking prohibited.
- Vehicles violating the restrictions could be towed without the advance notice currently required.
What they're saying: "We had a question before us today: whether to continue with the status quo — which we know isn't working — or to try a new approach," Strauss said during the meeting.
The other side: Councilmembers Dionne Foster, Eddie Lin, and Alexis Mercedes Rinck opposed the specific bill imposing the two-hour time limit.
- They argued it effectively functions as a total overnight parking ban for unpermitted vehicles and excludes residents who are missed by the bureaucracy.
- "I just have too many concerns around people who may become homeless in the future who could be left out of this permit program," said Foster.
- Rinck, who cast the sole vote against the overall package, said the two-hour parking limit leaves unpermitted residents with no legal place to go and the new "junk vehicle" definitions mean the city could fast-track the towing and destruction of dilapidated vehicles.
By the numbers: A University of Washington study estimated 1,484 people lived in vehicles in Seattle in January, including about 377 in RVs and other oversize vehicles.
What's next: The package heads to Mayor Katie Wilson, whose administration has raised concerns about its costs and potential consequences for RV residents.
- The restrictions are scheduled to begin April 30, followed by a 90-day warning period before enforcement.
Tell us: Have you had incidents with RVs parked for long periods in your neighborhood? Email us to share your experience.