San Francisco Board approves new parking restrictions for large vehicles and outreach program

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 9, 2025, focused on significant changes to the transportation code regarding parking restrictions for large vehicles. The primary agenda item discussed was an ordinance that proposes a citywide two-hour parking limit for large vehicles, alongside a revised definition of commercial vehicles and specific parking restrictions for them.

The ordinance aims to address ongoing issues related to large vehicles parking overnight in designated areas. Under the new regulations, large vehicles will be subject to a two-hour parking limit throughout the city, which is a shift from the previous restrictions that were more localized. Additionally, amendments to the administrative code were introduced, mandating collaboration between the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) and other departments to implement an outreach program for a new refuge permit program. This program is designed to exempt certain large vehicles from the parking restrictions while the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) engages with vehicle dwellers to offer housing solutions.

During the meeting, it was reported that HSH plans to allocate $11 million this year for various housing initiatives, including 65 rapid rehousing slots and $3 million for short-term financial assistance aimed at helping individuals secure permanent housing. The MTA anticipates costs of approximately $1.7 million for the fiscal year, which may fluctuate based on the number of vehicle tows, estimated at around 200. However, with nearly 500 large vehicles currently in the city, these estimates may need to be reassessed.

The discussion highlighted the complexity of the issue, with officials acknowledging the challenges faced in addressing the needs of vehicle dwellers. A recommendation was made for the board to convene a follow-up hearing in six months to evaluate the impact of the new regulations on the number of large vehicles and the effectiveness of housing offers.

Public comments were invited following the discussion, with several community members expressing their concerns. One speaker, a single mother living in an RV, shared her struggles with housing affordability, while another participant sought clarity on the implications of the new two-hour parking limit.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the situation and the effectiveness of the proposed measures, emphasizing the ongoing need for solutions to the challenges faced by large vehicle dwellers in San Francisco.