Tooele police propose limited RV parking allowance for shelter clients; council asks for clearer language

Police Chief Adrian Day asked the council whether it wanted staff to bring forward a proposed amendment to Tooele City Code 7‑9‑2 to address RVs being used as temporary shelter space.

"We have a a lot of problems with RVs," Day said, noting instances that increased after the homeless shelter opened and that providers have sometimes been allowing vehicles to use parking lots while clients receive services. Day said the proposal would permit RVs on private property controlled by qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations that provide access to showers, bathrooms and a daily meal.

Key elements discussed: Day proposed that qualifying sites be operated by a 501(c)(3) provider, provide hygienic facilities and daily meals, and be limited in time so people can get services. Council members repeatedly urged a clear, enforceable time limit; several favored a five‑day limit (with the five‑day clock restarting if the vehicle leaves for a day). The council also raised whether the city should limit the number of RVs at a site and expressed concern about opening loopholes for other properties.

Enforcement and city property: Day said current city camping rules prohibit camping on city property and that officers can require occupants to vacate within 30 minutes when camping is observed; he also flagged operational challenges such as difficulty finding impound yards willing to accept RVs. Council members cited recurring RV presence at the library and pool parking lots as enforcement concerns.

Next steps: Day agreed to research model language, consider whether to add numeric caps and clarifying exclusions (for example, funding sources the provider accepts), and return with a refined draft. The council did not take action on the amendment at the meeting.