Olympia launching pilot program allowing people to live in their cars

The City of Olympia is launching a pilot program allowing people to live in RVs and other vehicles for up to six months with a permit.

City code previously stated that a vehicle used for camping could not be parked in one place for more than 24 hours, according to The Olympian.

Under the new program, homeowners and churches would be allowed to host vehicles for temporary housing. Residential properties can have one vehicle in a driveway, while churches can host up to two in their parking lots, according to the memorandum.

Annette Razika, a city advocate, expressed her support to the city council.

“I hope the city moves forward with this and other programs that make it easier for people who are already facing great challenges,” she said.

Olympia resident C.C. Coates, a disabled and retired union carpenter who lives in her van, had been approaching the city council since April asking Olympia to change its vehicle camping laws, according to The Olympian. On Tuesday, Coates thanked the council for listening and acting with compassion.

Olympia sets rules for the pilot program

City Manager Jay Burney authorized the program, citing an ordinance declaring a public health emergency over homelessness.

This week, Community Development Director Tim Smith presented the program to the city council, The Olympian reported. He noted the vehicles must be used in a way that minimizes impact on neighboring properties, adding that outdoor storage and garbage are not permitted, and RVs are not allowed to connect to a septic system.

Also, any place where a vehicle is parked must provide access to a restroom, such as a private bathroom, the church’s bathroom, or a portable restroom.

“This is a pilot program, so periodically it will be evaluated to determine whether it should continue, end, or be permanently codified within our code,” Smith said, according to The Olympian. “We’ll really see what the response is and how the permit process is carried out.”

The Olympia City Council subsequently endorsed the program. Permit fees will be waived for residential property owners hosting a vehicle, as well as for faith-based properties not operating under an existing Emergency Housing Permit.

Contributing: Frank Lenzi, KIRO Newsradio; Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest