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Council backs new ordinance to restrict overnight oversized vehicle parking, allow resident permits
Summary
The council approved a first reading of an ordinance banning oversized vehicles from overnight citywide street parking and creating a temporary resident permit program; staff will implement permit processing, signage and a one‑year assessment of impacts.
The Cupertino City Council conducted a first reading and approved a staff‑recommended program on Sept. 3 that would prohibit oversized vehicles from parking on city streets overnight and establish a limited resident permit program.
Staff described the proposal as a citywide measure to address complaints about oversized vehicles — including RVs and trailers — parked for extended periods in problem locations. Under the draft ordinance, oversized vehicles would be banned from street parking between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with a resident permit program allowing up to 20 free 72‑hour permits per household per year. After one permitted 72‑hour stay, a vehicle would need to move at least 1,500 feet and remain away for 72 hours to prevent continuous occupancy of a single curb space.
Public Works staff and the city attorney said the ban would exclude large pickup trucks and other commonly owned vehicles; it would target towed trailers, boats, and large RVs. Staff also proposed online permit processing, signs at identified problem locations (staff asked the council to approve $10,000 for targeted signage at an area near the Target store), and $25,000 for gateway signs so the ordinance could be enforced consistently. Staff estimated one‑time implementation costs of about $51,000 to stand up the program and handle permit administration for the first year.
The ordinance would also prohibit renting or loaning oversized vehicles for habitation in Cupertino, a provision staff said was intended to limit “van‑lording” or commercialized vehicle‑as‑housing schemes on public right‑of‑way.
Councilmembers asked about enforcement and partnerships. Staff said they had discussed nighttime enforcement logistics with the sheriff’s office and that the sheriff agreed to assist with nighttime enforcement. Councilmembers asked staff to study whether entry to the permit program should be limited to vehicles registered to the permit address and whether signs or portable cameras could support enforcement; staff said those items would be considered as the program is implemented and noted potential logistical complications.
The council approved the first reading unanimously and added a request that staff provide an outreach plan and partner with local service providers for residents living in vehicles. Councilmember Forén (sp?) asked staff to coordinate with West Valley Community Services and other nonprofit partners for outreach; city staff confirmed they would explore partnerships and return with data on permit use and program impacts after one year.
Ending: The city will implement online permits, install targeted signage and begin enforcement after the ordinance’s second reading; staff will return after one year with an assessment of program impacts and permit usage.
