Pasadena Council Approves Safe Parking Program at Church

Decision upholds hearing officer's permit for overnight parking lot for unhoused residents

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pasadena City Council voted 5-2-1 to approve a conditional use permit for a safe parking program at All Saints Church, allowing up to 25 vehicles of unhoused individuals or families to park overnight in the church's existing parking lot. The decision upheld a previous ruling by a hearing officer and the Board of Zoning Appeals, despite opposition from some council members and a local homeowners association.

Why it matters

The safe parking program aims to provide a secure overnight option for Pasadena residents living in their vehicles, addressing homelessness in the community. However, the decision was contentious, with concerns raised about potential environmental impacts and the program's ability to adequately support unhoused individuals.

The details

The safe parking program will operate in a 109-space lot at All Saints Church, with portable restrooms and handwashing stations provided. Additional conditions were added, including monthly meetings between neighbors, the church, police, the city attorney's office, and the local council member to address any complaints. Opponents, including the Maryland Homeowners Association, argued the program could cause environmental issues like air pollution from idling vehicles, but the church said idling would be prohibited.

  • The hearing officer approved the permit in June 2026.
  • The Board of Zoning Appeals upheld the decision in September 2026.
  • The City Council first considered the appeal in November 2026, but a motion to approve the environmental exemption failed 4-3.
  • In February 2027, the Council voted to rescind the earlier closure of the hearing and continue the matter to the current meeting.
  • The Council voted 5-2-1 to approve the safe parking program on March 10, 2027.

The players

Victor Gordo

The Mayor of Pasadena who voted against the safe parking program.

Steve Madison

A senior Pasadena City Councilmember who criticized the Mayor for requesting data that was not provided to the full Council.

Tyron Hampton

A Pasadena City Councilmember who abstained from the final vote on the safe parking program.

Justin Jones

The Pasadena City Councilmember representing the district where the safe parking program is located, who will be involved in the monthly meetings.

Rick Cole

A Pasadena City Councilmember who made the motion to approve the safe parking program with additional conditions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am just flabbergasted that any one of us would ask staff to provide something and not provide it to the rest of us or the community if germane. It is disappointing, and I am going to give this very little weight.”

— Steve Madison, Senior Pasadena City Councilmember (pasadenanow.com)

“And I don't know about anyone else's lived experience, but I've been unhoused as a child and my mom would never have parked in an area like this. And so to me, I think we could do better for our residents who are living in their vehicles.”

— Justin Jones, Pasadena City Councilmember (pasadenanow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.