The City has developed a Safe Parking Program, where oversized vehicles used for habitation can safely park. 

The Overnight Safe Parking Program provides space for oversized vehicles in City-owned lots. This program provides overnight parking and participants can stay up to 30 says with the possibility of an extension. Hygiene services and refuse disposal are available on site. There is currently space in this program with the ability to expand if necessary. Participants must adhere to a code of conduct. To enroll, call 831-420-5093 or email: safeparking@santacruzca.gov.

Locations for Overnight Safe Parking Program (See map below)

Lot 2: 1100 Cedar St. 

Lot 3: 118 Walnut Ave.

Lot 4: 610 Cedar St.

Lot 8: 710 Cedar St.

Lot 16: 212 Church St. (In Reserve)

Lot 25: 119 Center St.

Parking spots are pre-assigned to enrolled program participants and every vehicle will receive an overnight parking permit. Vehicles parked in this lot without an overnight parking permit may be ticketed and towed.

The Long-term Safe Parking Program provides space for oversized vehicles at the National Guard Armory. This program provides 24/7 parking and participants may stay up to six months. Case management, housing navigation, health care, and hygiene services are provided on-site. Space is limited for this program. Participants must adhere to a code of conduct. To learn more, please call 831-515-8665 or email: Email: RVsafeparking@thefreeguide.org.

FAQ about the Safe Parking Program

Is the Safe Parking Program only for oversized vehicle vehicles?

Yes. The City’s Safe Parking Programs are designed for oversized vehicles that are larger than 20’long and/or more than 7’ wide and 8’ tall.

Does the City have any safe parking programs for regular sized cars over night?

At present, the City does not have a safe parking program for regular sized cars. 

How do people find out about the OVO and Safe Parking Program?

The City started community outreach about the OVO and Safe Parking programs in November 2023. This included fliers, email, social media, and street level outreach.

What happens if the Overnight Safe Parking Program is full?

The City's Overnight Safe Parking Program is accepting new applicants. Should space at designated parking lots change in the future, eligible applicants will be given an on-street permit, which will protect the vehicle from being ticketed under Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) 10.40.120(a) (prohibition against oversized vehicle on-street parking from 12:00 AM-5:00 AM).

Can I show up at a Safe Parking location and park for the night?

Our Safe Parking programs (Overnight in City lots and Long-term at the Armory) require that participants go through an enrollment process with City staff. We aim to offer a positive experience for participants and this process ensures that we know who is participating in the program and  allows us to support them with services they may need. Parking spots are pre-assigned to enrolled program participants and every vehicle will receive an overnight parking permit. Vehicles parked in this lot without an overnight parking permit may be ticketed and towed.

Where are the City's Safe Parking locations?