San Luis Obispo approves safe parking sites for vehicle residents
Program is modeled after similar initiatives elsewhere, aims to help individuals living in vehicles transition into permanent housing
– The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission has approved five rotating overnight safe parking sites as part of a proposed pilot program aimed at reducing vehicular homelessness in the city. The next steps include securing funding and finalizing agreements with the approved locations.
The Planning Commission considered and approved director’s action permit requests for the sites during its Jan. 22 meeting. The program, designed by the city and the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, is modeled after similar initiatives elsewhere and aims to help individuals living in vehicles transition into permanent housing.
“We appreciate everyone who came out to speak and share their thoughts on this proposed program,” said Timothea Tway, the city’s community development director. “CAPSLO and city staff will continue to incorporate community feedback into the program plan, and we look forward to an ongoing collaborative process with host sites, neighbors, and program participants. We all want this to be a resounding success.”
Hundreds of community members sleep in vehicles each night in San Luis Obispo County. Currently, 163 households are on the waitlist for the 40 Prado Safe Parking Program, which provides a pathway to permanent housing.
The five approved safe parking sites will rotate monthly and include:
- Calle Joaquin Park and Ride, 1545 Calle Joaquin
- City Corporation Yard, 25 Prado Road
- Damon Garcia Sports Complex Parking Lot, 680 Industrial Way
- Renovate Church, 2075 Johnson Avenue
- Journey Christian Fellowship, 317 Foothill Boulevard
A sixth proposed site at Congregation Beth David is outside city limits and did not require planning commission approval.
During the Jan. 22 meeting, the planning commission reviewed a staff report outlining participant requirements, traffic control measures, site security, good neighbor relations, and program oversight. The commission heard public comments before unanimously approving the five sites. One commissioner was absent.
“We have really appreciated the opportunity to work with the city on this project and to hear feedback from the community to design a program that meets the needs of its participants, partners, and neighbors,” said Lawren Ramos, CAPSLO community services program director.
A community meeting hosted by CAPSLO the previous week provided residents an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns about the program.
Next steps
Funding is required to launch the pilot program. A portion of the costs will be recommended for inclusion in the city’s next two-year financial plan, while CAPSLO will apply for grants to cover the remaining expenses. The organization will also work with approved host sites to finalize agreements and establish a rotating monthly schedule.
