Proposed ‘Vehicle Resident Assistance Program’ includes new permit system, parking bans, and increased services for people living in cars, RVs, and buses

The Seattle City Council is currently in its summer legislative recess but its work this fall will include an overhaul of the city’s approach to regulating car, RV, and bus encampments.

Councilmember Dan Strauss has introduced a six-part legislative package establishing the Vehicle Resident Assistance Program, a framework that creates a new permitting system for lived-in recreational vehicles, funds safe lots and secure vehicle storage, and imposes overnight parking bans across the city.

Previewed before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee earlier this month, the framework would use $5 million in funding to expand dedicated outreach teams, establish safe parking lots, and launch a “shelter storage” program allowing individuals to keep their vehicles in secure lots while transitioning into shelter.

The cornerstone of the plan is a permitting system for motor homes and travel trailers. Eligible vehicle residents identified through a one-time Human Services Department census can obtain a permit allowing overnight parking strictly within designated industrial zones, provided they work with caseworkers and follow neighborhood cleanliness rules. Permits will be revoked if an occupant declines six offers of appropriate shelter.

For unpermitted RVs and trailers, new restrictions taking effect next April will cap street parking at two hours citywide and ban overnight parking between midnight and 6 AM, backed by immediate impoundment authority following a 90-day warning period.

Supporting ordinances update the Land Use Code for vehicle storage, expand administrative leasing caps to 100,000 square feet for safe lots, modernize the definition of “junk vehicles” to streamline blighted vehicle removal, and fund eight city staffing positions.

Officials say the package is intended to match improved regulation and enforcement with expanded services to help people who live in vehicles of all types in the city.

Approximately 27% of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in King County live in vehicles including cars, vans, buses, RVs, and travel trailers.

The package is scheduled for public hearings and committee votes in September.

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