15.C.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 08/21/2018
- Co-Submitter:
- Leah Bloom
- From:
- Dan Musselman, Interim Police Chief
Information
TITLE
Discussion: Options for assisting individuals without shelter including recreational vehicle parking restrictions.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This presentation is provided at the request of Council and is for informational purposes only.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Council has expressed interest in discussing ways to support existing agencies or entities that already provide services to those without permanent shelter, especially those individuals who own a vehicle or RV and do not take advantage of shelter options. This presentation will focus on “vehicular homelessness”. While people sleeping/living in their vehicles presents unique challenges for the city and homeless advocates, there are considerable public safety, health and sanitation concerns presented by allowing the use of parking lots or similarly designated areas for overnight camping / living in vehicles / recreational vehicles.
Currently, Flagstaff City Codes limits the location and duration in which a person can live in a recreational vehicle. To allow for the temporary use of parking lots for recreational vehicle camping/living, the current city code would need to be amended.
Currently, Flagstaff City Codes limits the location and duration in which a person can live in a recreational vehicle. To allow for the temporary use of parking lots for recreational vehicle camping/living, the current city code would need to be amended.
INFORMATION:
| Flagstaff City Code Information Utilizing vehicles, including recreational vehicles for living accommodation purposes, is currently prohibited by the no camping ordinance (FCC section 6-01-001-0022) while the vehicle is parked on public property. Overnight parking of recreational vehicles on private property in commercial and industrial zones is permitted for one night with permission of the owner, lessee, occupant, or person having legal control of the property (FCC section 10-50-080-080). The ordinance requires the vehicle be moved from the property by 10:00 am the following morning. In residential zones, the ordinance states the use of a recreational vehicle for residential purposes is not allowable, except that guests of the property owner or tenant may stay in the recreational vehicle for no more than five days per month. Recreational vehicles parked or stored for any period longer than five days are required to be parked within the rear or interior side yard behind the front of the building, garage, or carport (FCC section 10-50-080-080). Social Service Information There are multiple agencies and entities that serve the families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Flagstaff. These include but are not limited to:
Some larger communities with a significant population of homeless individuals and families residing in vehicles, known as “vehicular homeless” have created a “Safe Parking Program”. This is a fairly new industry concept and is sometimes defined as a safe place to park each night with restroom access, a security guard, and social service resources. Furthermore, some communities that have implemented safe parking programs have shown that a designated parking lot has negatively impacted businesses located in proximity to the identified parking lots/areas. Allowing this type of living arrangement could result in negative impacts to the vehicular homeless population and the community if case management, housing and sanitation services are not provided. While some homeless advocates are strongly opposed to a safe parking program, others are in support, and view it as a necessity for cities with large numbers of people living in their vehicles. The last Point in Time (PIT) count of unsheltered people in Coconino County took place in January of 2018. The PIT count identified that of the 86 unsheltered households in Coconino County, 14 were residing in a vehicle of some type and 10 in trailers/campers. There are additional concerns with hosting these types of encampments. Some communities have seen health concerns due to an increase in hepatitis outbreaks. Due to the local environment in Flagstaff, these lots may attract wild animals searching for food (skunks, mice, snakes, raccoons, and others). Some communities have seen increases in crime while others have hired or contracted with security to help keep the peace. Additionally, those staying in safe parking lots would be susceptible to extreme weather events (torrential rain during the monsoon season and freezing cold during the winter). Some communities have seen citizen protests over the location and concept of safe parking. Some other municipalities who have tried this have noted an increase in crime surrounding the areas authorized for as safe parking areas. If the area is designed to be semi-permanent, the city may need to encumber the additional expense of providing portable toilets, a holding tank dump station, potable water sources, security and support for social service agencies assisting those utilizing the parking area to help access resources. Existing local agencies already have the expertise and infrastructure in place to help connect those who are unsheltered with the appropriate goods and services, from a housing perspective. Opening or allowing parking areas to be used for ongoing camping of unsheltered citizens in recreational vehicles will bring an increased risk to the quality of life of Flagstaff citizens and may be a band-aid that doesn't work towards a permanent housing solution for those experiencing homelessness. Housing staff recommends against implementation of a safe parking program without significant resources, both financial and staffing, being added. One alternative option to creating a safe parking program would be to partner with an existing agency that is already providing services and offer the necessary support to expand their services. This could include the possibility of allowing them to oversee a lot or property next to an existing shelter. Research illustrates that designating lots or areas within communities for these purposes can create contention between citizenry and the homeless population. Additional Information: Staff is aware that the Council requested discussion is larger than this one issue. This fall, Housing Staff and the Continuum of Care will present to Council this year’s PIT numbers and updates on how Flagstaff’s homeless system is leading the way within Arizona’s Balance of State. |