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Public Safety Committee

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 · 9:30 AM AM · Council Chamber, City Hall 600 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104

TL;DR

The Public Safety Committee met to consider six ordinances and a resolution focused on managing vehicle residency and creating pathways to shelter for people living in vehicles. The measures update city codes to define outdoor storage areas, create a new permitting program for motorhomes and travel trailers, and establish a Vehicle Resident Assistance Program with structured support services.

Key Decisions

  • Authority for leases on transitional encampments and respite areas Discussed for vote
  • Updated definition of 'junk motor vehicle' in Traffic Code Discussed for vote
  • Revised definitions for recreational vehicles and outdoor storage in zoning code Discussed for vote
  • Budget adjustments for vehicle residency permitting and outreach programs Discussed for vote
  • New permitting program for motorhomes and travel trailers with pathway to shelter Discussed for vote
Agenda PDF

Agenda

  1. This meeting also constitutes a meeting of the City Council, provided that the meeting shall be conducted as a committee meeting under the Council Rules and Procedures, and Council action shall be limited to committee business.
  2. Please Note: Times listed are estimated
  3. Call To Order
  4. Approval of the Agenda
  5. Public Comment
  6. Items of Business
  7. 1. An ordinance relating to leases; updating the Director of Finance and Administrative Services’ authority to execute leases when the land is used for transitional encampments, outdoor storage for any vehicle, or overnight respite areas for drivers; amending Section 3.127.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
    Council Bill (CB)
  8. 2. An ordinance relating to the Traffic Code; revising the definition of "junk motor vehicle"; and amending Section 11.14.268 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
    Council Bill (CB)
  9. 3. An ordinance relating to land use and zoning; adjusting the definition of recreational vehicle; adjusting the definition of outdoor storage to include outdoor storage areas for certain unoccupied vehicles, including recreational vehicles; adjusting the definition of flexible-use parking to exclude storage of recreational vehicles; and amending Sections 23.84A.032, 23.84A.036, and 23.84A.038 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
    Council Bill (CB)
  10. 4. An ordinance relating to vehicle residency permitting and outreach; amending Ordinance 127362, which adopted the 2026 budget, including the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP); changing appropriations to various departments and budget control levels, and from various funds in the Budget; creating positions; modifying a proviso; and imposing a proviso.
    Council Bill (CB)
  11. 5. An ordinance relating to the Traffic Code; creating a new permitting program for owners of motor homes and travel trailers to support a structured pathway to shelter; amending Sections 11.14.350, 11.14.660, 11.16.120, 11.23.440, 11.30.040, and 11.72.070 of, and adding Sections 11.14.672, 11.72.071, and 11.23.170 to, the Seattle Municipal Code.
    Council Bill (CB)
  12. 6. A resolution relating to persons living in vehicles and establishing the Vehicle Resident Assistance Program; accompanying legislation to provide a structured pathway to shelter.
    Resolution (Res)
  13. Adjournment