SLO Planning Commission approves six new safe parking sites for homeless residents.

Homeless individuals living in their vehicles in San Luis Obispo will gain access to six new designated safe parking sites this year. These locations, including three local churches and three public lots, will rotate monthly as part of a newly approved program by the San Luis Obispo Planning Commission.

The initiative doubles the number of safe parking spaces available in the city, expanding upon the existing 12 spaces provided by the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO) behind the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center. CAPSLO’s homeless services director, Jack Lahey, noted that the program addresses the growing challenge homeless individuals face in finding secure overnight parking without fear of legal repercussions.

The new program includes five locations within city limits and one outside. Within the city, designated sites include the park-and-ride lot at 1545 Calle Joaquin, the city Corporation Yard at 25 Prado Road, the Damon Garcia Sports Field parking lot at 680 Industrial Way, Renovate Church at 2075 Johnson Ave., and Journey Christian Fellowship at 317 Foothill Blvd. Congregation Beth David at 10180 Los Osos Valley Road will serve as the sixth site, though it does not require Planning Commission approval as it is located outside city limits.

The onboarding process for participants begins at 40 Prado, where individuals are enrolled in the shelter’s existing safe parking program for an initial 30-day period. San Luis Obispo homeless response manager Daisy Wiberg explained that CAPSLO’s intake process includes a Megan’s Law background check to ensure no sex offenders are permitted to stay at the rotating sites.

Once enrolled, participants are assigned to a site on a case-by-case basis if the program aligns with their needs. Those who agree to the terms will be enrolled for a 90-day period, during which they will be engaged by CAPSLO case managers. If a participant is actively working with their case manager but has not secured permanent housing, a 30-day extension may be granted.

No on-site intakes will be conducted, meaning individuals must first be screened and approved before enrollment. This structured approach aims to provide stability and support for those living in vehicles while ensuring safety and accountability.

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