Olympia homeowners could soon host a person experiencing homelessness in an RV parked on their driveway, under a pilot program the City Council is set to discuss at its Aug. 25 meeting.
The proposal, developed by the Olympia Community Development Department, would create a new Emergency Housing Facility Permit allowing one recreational vehicle to be used as a dwelling on a residential property. Churches and other faith-based organizations could host up to two vehicles on their paved parking lots.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 601 4th Ave. E. It is not yet clear whether the agenda item is a formal vote, a first reading or a study session briefing.
How it would work
A property owner would apply for a six-month permit, renewable if conditions are met. The occupant would need access to a restroom inside the primary home, and the RV would need to connect to a sewer cleanout where feasible.
Waste could only be dumped into an approved cleanout or a mobile sewage transport device. RVs would not be allowed to connect to septic systems.
Outdoor storage, rubbish and garbage associated with the vehicle could not be visible from the street. The community development director could add conditions to any permit and revoke or decline to renew one if those conditions are violated.
Properties governed by homeowners association covenants that prohibit vehicle habitation would not qualify for the residential portion of the program.
Policy context
According to a city staff report summarized by The JOLT, the pilot would create an alternative to street-based arrangements by moving some vehicle habitation off public rights-of-way and onto private property with the owner's consent.
The city says the program would also give homeless response teams more opportunities to connect people living in vehicles with services.
Police and parking enforcement would not be involved unless other circumstances require it. Code enforcement could step in if permit conditions are violated and the vehicle is not removed.
The pilot builds on existing policy. In 2024, the council adopted Ordinance No. 7410, which allows vehicle camping on city streets under conditions including moving every 24 hours and maintaining at least 500 feet of separation from other camping vehicles.
On June 16, the council extended its Declaration of Public Health Emergency related to an insufficient supply of affordable housing.
Councilmember Dani Madrone signaled the council's broader housing ambitions at a July 28 meeting welcoming new Housing Director Ashley Chambers. "We have some really big goals as a city … We have some really big challenges, but we also have a lot of political will and ambition around this," Madrone said at the time.
What's next
The city says the pilot would be periodically evaluated to determine whether it should be continued, ended or eventually written permanently into the Olympia Municipal Code. No review timeline has been set.
Residents can attend the meeting in person at City Hall or check the city's Legistar page for the agenda and any future public comment opportunities.
