San Jose Launches RV Enforcement Pilot Program

San Jose has launched a pilot program, OLIVE (Oversized and Lived-In Vehicle Enforcement), to temporarily ban RVs in designated areas to address public safety and cleanliness concerns related to the 1,000 lived-in vehicles scattered throughout the city. Under the program, which has a budget of $3.3 million, city officials will establish 30 temporary tow-away zones, starting with Chynoweth Avenue, where enforcement will begin after a two-week notice period. Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized the need for change due to long-term encampments creating challenges such as noise, waste, and potential criminal activity. The initiative aims to provide relief to residents and businesses while also encouraging those living in vehicles to seek transitional housing. Critics have expressed concerns about the lack of available shelter for those displaced by the towing, as the city prepares to open a safe parking site for 85 vehicles in Berryessa next month. The program will be phased, with the possibility of establishing up to 10 permanent tow-away zones after evaluating the pilot's effectiveness.