COUNCIL REFERRAL MEMORANDUM
To: Hayward Mayor and City Council
From: Council Members Daniel Goldstein and Julie Roche
Subject: Referral - RV Parking.
Date: 11/14/2023
BACKGROUND:
The City is already developing a Safe Parking staff report to address the need for a safe, free place for individuals and families living in their vehicles as a last resort. This referral will add an element in that report specific to RVs, and propose additional language to the Traffic Code to restrict RV parking on public streets.
State law leaves cities to decide matters of parking on public streets. The City of Hayward Traffic Code1 that prohibits parking commercial vehicles on residential streets (Sec. 6.38) specifically excludes even similar-sized vehicles when used for “recreational housing.” The Code also sets limits on the height, screening from view, and physical orientation of recreational vehicles parked or stored on private property (Sec. 6.39) to establish a visual aesthetic. The Traffic Code also limits obstructions to visibility at intersections (Sec. 9.01). However, the Traffic Code today has no prohibition limiting RVs parked on public streets within the City.
The Hayward Municipal Code2 section 4-1.57 defines “nuisance” that meets the authority for abatement as property in “such condition of deterioration or disrepair... materially detrimental to proximal properties” (a), or “so out of harmony or conformity with...adjacent properties... as to cause substantial [harm to] the enjoyment, use or property value of such adjacent properties”0(b). Many RVs used as a home of last resort meet these definitions. Section 4-17.20 prohibits camping on public property.
Despite Hayward’s lead in developing housing, the housing shortage is expected to climb, and the demand for RV parking on public streets is expected to grow along with it.4 To avoid the crises that Fremont5 and Novato experienced, Hayward should plan now to provide RV Safe Parking and also restrict RV parking on public streets.
SUMMARY:
This referral requests that Council direct staff to:
In conjunction with the Safe Parking staff report already in development, add RVs.
Identify places where live-aboard RV parking is currently allowed and the cost to use it, and propose additional locations where it may be permitted.
Identify costs and potential funding sources.
Propose a Traffic Code change to restrict RV parking on public streets.
Present the project proposal to the City Council for adoption on the timeframe already committed, or within 60 days thereafter. ______________________ __________________________
Daniel Goldstein Julie Roche
Council Member Council Member
STRATEGIC ROADMAP:
This referral supports the Strategic Priority to Preserve, Protect & Produce Housing for All.
Specifically, this referral relates to the following:
House and support people experiencing homelessness
This referral supports the Strategic Priority to Enhance Community Safety & Quality of Life.
Specifically, this referral relates to the following:
Invest in community-based crime response and enforcement models Invest in cleanliness and blight reduction
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REFERENCES:
Hayward Traffic Code
https://www.hayward-ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/TrafficCode031413.pdf
Hayward Municipal Code
https://library.municode.com/ca/hayward/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=HAYWARD_MUNICIPAL_CODE_CH4PUWEMOCO_ART1PUNU_WERULIAB
Novato RV Encampment
https://abc7news.com/binford-road-novato-rv-encampment-marin-county-affordable-housing-bay-area/13325756/
Fremont RV Encampment
https://www.sfchronicle.com/eastbay/article/This-quiet-Bay-Area-suburb-saw-explosive-growth-17333139.php
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