Public can comment on permanent safe-parking regulations

Last week, Pierce County launched an online open house on a safe-parking proposal that provides a recommendation for permanent safe-parking regulations for unincorporated Pierce County. The public is invited to review the online open house and comment. 

“Safe parking” refers to a parking lot managed by a social service provider or religious organization to provide a location for people experiencing homelessness to park their vehicles and sleep. The sites provide a greater level of safety and stability to vehicle residents by providing access to services.  

The Pierce County Planning Commission will be considering public comments on the draft proposal to establish requirements for safe-parking sites, including:  

• A code of conduct for safe-parking vehicle residents, and how the host organization will enforce it. 

• A site safety and security plan.  

• Sanitation facilities and trash receptacles.  

• Background checks for residents.  

• A requirement that vehicles remain operable. 

The Pierce County Planning Commission will forward a recommendation to the County Council for consideration. The public is welcome to provide comments or attend one of the following meetings: 

Pierce County Council Community Development Council, tentatively Nov. 21. Watch live at piercecountywa.gov/council; or County Council, to be determined in mid-December.

To learn more about safe parking and the proposal, visit piercecountywa.gov/safeparking.