San José approves low-barrier safe parking site on Vairesa Road; city will not require vehicle registration or insurance for admission

San José City Council on Tuesday approved the consent calendar including an item to open a low-barrier safe parking site on Vairesa Road operated by WeHOPE.

Councilmember David Cohen asked staff to confirm whether the site would require vehicle registration, insurance or other documentation before admission, citing community concerns. Eric Sullivan, the city’s Housing Director, said the site will be run as a low-barrier program.

"That's correct. We will not have any barriers. This will be considered low-barrier, safe parking management. So, registration [and] insurance, we won't have those requirements," Sullivan said, adding that the program includes services to help participants register vehicles and pursue transitions to permanent housing.

Councilmember Cohen asked whether WeHOPE would work to help residents transition into placements that allow them to keep their RVs or otherwise move into permanent housing. Sullivan said the contract requires comprehensive services including assistance for residents who want to transition to permanent housing, and staff will continue to encourage transitions even though past sites have seen variable uptake.

Cohen moved acceptance of the consent calendar; the vote on the consent items was unanimous.

Staff noted that options for residents include surrendering assets to move into housing, moving to mobile-home parks that accept RVs, or pursuing shelter placements. The housing department said it will provide on-site assistance and referrals as part of the contract with WeHOPE.