Palo Alto Struggles to Address Surge in RV Parking

City leaders explore permit program and regional collaboration, but residents say enforcement isn't enough

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Palo Alto is grappling with a surge in RV parking on city streets, with the number of RVs doubling between 2023 and 2025. The city's recently established oversized vehicle ad hoc committee is exploring a parking permit pilot program and regional collaboration to address the issue, but residents and business owners say the efforts aren't enough. The committee is also convening a regional meeting to seek a coordinated response, as neighboring cities have cracked down on overnight RV parking, driving more vehicle dwellers to Palo Alto.

Why it matters

The RV parking issue has become a major concern for Palo Alto residents and businesses, with many feeling the city is unfairly bearing the burden as neighboring communities restrict RV parking. The city is struggling to balance enforcement, sanitation, and safety concerns with providing support and housing options for the growing population of vehicle dwellers.

The details

Palo Alto's oversized vehicle ad hoc committee is exploring a parking permit program that would set aside certain streets for overnight RV parking, excluding residential zones. The committee is also planning a regional meeting to seek a coordinated response, as neighboring cities have cracked down on RV parking, driving more vehicle dwellers to Palo Alto. However, residents and business owners have expressed concerns that the permit program could unfairly burden those living and working near designated RV parking zones.

  • The number of RVs parked on Palo Alto streets had doubled between 2023 and 2025.
  • The City Council passed a phased policy response to RV parking on Oct. 20, 2025.
  • The City Council passed additional ordinances banning 'vanlording' and detached trailers from parking on public streets on Dec. 8, 2025.

The players

Ed Lauing

A Palo Alto City Council member and member of the oversized vehicle ad hoc committee.

Julie Lythcott-Haims

A Palo Alto City Council member and member of the oversized vehicle ad hoc committee.

Keith Reckdahl

A Palo Alto City Council member and member of the oversized vehicle ad hoc committee.

Vicki Veenker

The Mayor of Palo Alto.

George Lu

A Palo Alto City Council member.

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What they’re saying

“We're feeling the unfairness that Palo Alto remains open, as public commenters would say, while neighbors to the north and south have shut their doors. But this whack-a-mole approach is silly, it's a waste of money, it's a waste of time and effort, and it does nothing to acknowledge the dignity of human beings who have no better choice than to live in their vehicles.”

— Julie Lythcott-Haims, Palo Alto City Council member (paloaltoonline.com)

What’s next

The oversized vehicle ad hoc committee will continue to explore options based on the concerns raised by the council and residents over the coming months, including the potential parking permit program and the regional meeting scheduled for April 17.

The takeaway

Palo Alto's efforts to address the surge in RV parking on city streets highlight the complex challenges facing communities grappling with homelessness and the lack of affordable housing options. While increased enforcement and regional collaboration may provide some relief, residents and businesses remain concerned that the city is unfairly bearing the burden as neighboring communities restrict RV parking.