SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco is poised to implement a ban on homeless individuals living in recreational vehicles (RVs) as part of a new parking policy aimed at maintaining clear sidewalks and reducing litter. The proposal, which is set for final approval by city supervisors, targets approximately 400 RVs in a city of 800,000 residents. Many of these vehicles provide shelter for those unable to afford housing, including immigrant families.

Mayor Daniel Lurie and supporters of the policy argue that RVs are not suitable for long-term habitation. They emphasize the city's responsibility to provide adequate shelter and maintain public spaces. "We absolutely want to serve those families, those who are in crisis across San Francisco," said Kunal Modi, an advisor to the mayor on health and homelessness. "We feel the responsibility to help them get to a stable solution. And at the same time, we want to make sure that that stability is somewhere indoors and not exposed in the public roadway."

However, critics contend that the policy is harsh, forcing individuals to abandon their only homes without sufficient alternative housing options. Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, expressed concern about the lack of details regarding a permit program that would exempt some RV residents from the new parking limits. "I think that there’s going to be people who lose their RVs. I think there’s going to be people who are able to get into shelter, but at the expense of people with higher needs, like those sleeping on a sidewalk," she said.

The proposed regulations include a two-hour parking limit for all RVs and oversized vehicles longer than 22 feet or taller than 7 feet, regardless of their use as housing. Under the permit program, RV residents registered with the city as of May will be exempt from these limits, provided they accept offers of temporary or long-term housing and dispose of their RVs when required. The city has allocated over half a million dollars to buy RVs from residents at a rate of $175 per foot. Permits will be valid for six months, and those arriving after May will not qualify for the program, making it difficult for families to reside in the city.

Carlos Perez, a 55-year-old RV resident, shared his struggles with the high cost of living in San Francisco. He works full-time as a produce deliveryman and supports his brother, who is unable to work due to a disability. "We don’t do nothing wrong. We try to keep this street clean," he said. Perez has lived in his RV for about a decade and appreciates the convenience of being close to work and medical facilities.

Another resident, who identified himself as Zach, has lived in his RV for twelve years. He works as a ride-hail driver and enjoys photography. Zach expressed skepticism about the mayor's plan, stating that many people prefer RV living over shelters due to restrictive rules. "If housing were affordable, there is a very good chance I wouldn’t be out here," he said.

The city recently closed its only RV parking lot, citing high operational costs and a lack of success in transitioning residents to stable housing. The new proposal includes increased funding for RV parking enforcement and an additional $11 million aimed at helping a limited number of households move to subsidized housing. While officials acknowledge that these measures may not adequately address the needs of all RV dwellers, they also mention the availability of hotel vouchers and other housing subsidies.

Erica Kisch, CEO of Compass Family Services, a nonprofit that assists homeless families, expressed mixed feelings about the proposal. "It’s recognition that households should not be living in vehicles, that we need to do better for families, and for seniors and for anyone else who’s living in a vehicle," she said. "San Francisco can do better, certainly."