San Carlos considers citywide ban on RV parking

Current city rules restrict RVs, campers, trailers and boat trailers from parking overnight between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. A state law also restricts any vehicle from remaining parked in a single location for over 72 hours. However, restriction is quite difficult. 

In 2025, the San Carlos Bureau of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office reported an increase in reports of RV nuisances, with over 65 dispatch calls for service.

While deputies can look to enforce, city laws don’t place any daytime parking restrictions, and vehicles cannot be towed if they are occupied, or if there is any suspicion that the vehicle may be occupied, Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Tabak said. 

Enforcement typically means a $50 citation ticket, but the cost is often less expensive than parking the vehicle legally or finding alternative housing arrangements, Tabak said. Plus, citations aren’t always paid; of the 348 citations issued between Jan. 1, 2025, and April 7, 2026, only 44% have been paid. 

Tabak said deputies with the San Carlos Bureau approach the issue of enforcing RV parking holistically. When responding to calls for service, they often incorporate social service liaisons to increase education on resources and alternative housing options. 

“We want to look at this as a holistic issue and deal with it appropriately,” Tabak said. “Not everything is a nail and we’re not always a hammer.” 

Councilmembers largely voiced support for a citywide ban to address the issue, in large part because it’s easier to enforce than a permit program or other degrees of restrictions. 

To make the city’s standards clear, Councilmember Neil Layton asked that a 24/7 citywide prohibition be considered, and then exceptions to possibly be added. 

“We need to make sure that our city streets and areas that are growing and areas that are going to develop for us are protected, that business can thrive and operate in that area especially as more businesses come in and look to come in, as well as the neighborhoods feel safe and clean,” Layton said. 

Councilmember John Dugan said he would be interested in a RV ban specifically in the industrial and commercial areas, particularly on the east side of the city, but others raised the potential that this would then move RVs further into residential areas. 

As the city expects significant commercial and residential development on the east side of the city, Councilmember Sara McDowell said it’s critical to focus the city’s attention on the area. 

“I think especially in the industrial commercial area … we do need to really focus on the east side, really support them in getting that area cleaned up,” McDowell said. 

While Tabak agreed a citywide 24/7 ban of RVs would be the most direct enforcement option, he also voiced favor for increasing the hours of overnight parking restrictions, prohibiting RVs in specifically industrial and commercial areas, and possibly establishing time-limited daytime parking. 

City staff will present recommendations for adoption to the council after investigating the matter further and speaking with business owners. Regardless of what is recommended, and what councilmembers approve, Tabak said the approach of his deputies will remain the same. 

“Whether we become a little more strict with the regulations, this idea of offering resources doesn’t change,” Tabak said. “These are still people. I understand we have business owners that are concerned. … The fact is, those that are potentially living in these RVs, they’re people too and we want to help them as well.”