Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

alp227

(32,034 posts)
Tue Dec 17, 2013, 01:47 AM Dec 2013

Palo Alto suspends enforcement of vehicle dwelling ban

The Palo Alto City Council voted unanimously Monday night to temporarily postpone enforcement of a new law that makes it illegal for people to use their vehicles as dwellings.

Enforcement of the so-called "vehicle habitation ordinance" was scheduled to begin Feb. 10.

City Manager James Keene said in a report to the city council that enforcement should be delayed for up to one year or until the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal rules on Cheyenne Desertrain v. City of Los Angeles. The case centers on whether a similar law is constitutional.

Keene also noted that some members of the public have raised questions about the scope of Palo Alto's ordinance, suggesting that "an additional period of outreach and review would be beneficial."

The city council passed the law on Aug. 5 after fielding complaints about the behavior of some vehicle dwellers. Council members noted that the city had already spent two years trying to develop a program that allowed car campers to use the parking lots of religious organizations in town.

full: http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_24737980/palo-alto-suspends-enforcement-vehicle-dwelling-ban

An August thread about this law got over 90 replies at LBN.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Palo Alto suspends enforc...