San Francisco Enacts Ban on Long-Term RV Living

San Francisco plans to enforce new parking restrictions that will effectively ban long-term RV living on city streets, affecting at least 400 vehicles used primarily by unhoused residents, including immigrant families and working individuals unable to afford high rents. Mayor Daniel Lurie and city officials claim the policy is needed to clear sidewalks, reduce trash, and move people into stable housing, though critics, including the Coalition on Homelessness, argue it is harsh and inadequate given limited shelter resources. Only about 65 households are currently eligible for new assistance. An exemption is available for those registered before May if they participate in outreach efforts to transition into permanent housing and eventually give up their RVs. The details of the permit program and support services remain uncertain. This policy aligns with a broader trend among U.S. cities to reduce visible homelessness by requiring acceptance of shelter or risking arrest or property loss.