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Sunnyvale council adopts tighter rules on RV parking and bans renting vans for habitation
Summary
The Sunnyvale City Council unanimously approved revised 72‑hour parking rules and a new ban on renting oversized vehicles for habitation — sometimes called “vanlording” — paired with a 30‑day education window, stepped enforcement and direction to return with housing‑service follow-ups.
The Sunnyvale City Council voted 7–0 on June 2 to amend the city’s 72‑hour parking and inoperable‑vehicle rules and to add a prohibition on renting or facilitating use of oversized vehicles for human habitation. Vice Mayor Richard Melinger moved the amendment and asked staff to set the maximum allowable fine for “vanlording” at roughly $999, a change that council approved.
The ordinance clarifies when a vehicle is treated as “continuously parked”: a vehicle must be moved at least 1,000 feet after being tagged and may not return to the same parking space within 24 hours. The measure also defines “inoperable” vehicles and bans advertising or facilitating the use of RVs, trailers or converted vans for paid habitation on public rights‑of‑way. DPS said the city currently counts roughly 120–150 known inhabited RVs in Sunnyvale.
Why it matters: Downtown landlords, property managers and tenants told the council and staff the issue is harming businesses and worker safety. Jason Perry, a property manager in the Perry Park business area, said the encampments moved to Sunnyvale after neighboring cities tightened enforcement: “You do not attract this problem through bad luck. You attract it through weak leadership,” he told council during public comment.
Implementation and services: Public Safety described a phased approach. After council adoption, staff will run a 30‑day community‑education period emphasizing outreach, flyers and direct contacts with vehicle occupants. Enforcement will be progressive: warnings, citations and only as a last resort towing. DPS said one of its contracted tow companies is ready to assist when removals are required. Housing staff said they will coordinate outreach and prioritize people impacted by enforcement for hotel‑stay or rehousing assistance where feasible.
Council background and direction: Several council members stressed the ordinance is a tool, not a complete solution to homelessness. City Manager noted city and county service cuts are amplifying needs and directed staff to return with follow‑ups: a feasibility review of safe‑parking, interim housing options and other strategies planned for September.
Outcome and next steps: The ordinance passed unanimously. Council directed DPS and housing staff to monitor enforcement results, return to the council with data and recommendations, and work with business and nonprofit partners to identify potential safe‑parking or interim sites.
