Pasadena Church Seeks Permit for ‘Safe Parking’ Program for Unhoused People

All Saints Church in Pasadena is seeking approval to establish a safe parking program that would provide overnight accommodations for unhoused individuals living in their vehicles, according to a city hearing officer agenda scheduled for Wednesday.

The church at 202 North Euclid Avenue has requested a Minor Conditional Use Permit to operate the program in partnership with nonprofit organization Shower of Hope. The proposal would allow up to 25 vehicles to park overnight on the church’s 2.8-acre campus between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The Pasadena Hearing Officer will consider the application during a 6 p.m. meeting Wednesday, June 18, at the Permit Center Hearing Room at 175 N. Garfield Avenue.

Under the proposal, participants would have access to restroom facilities, sanitation services and charging stations at the church site. Shower of Hope would provide case management and housing navigation services aimed at helping participants transition to permanent housing.

The program includes several operational requirements designed to address community concerns. On-site security would be present during all program hours, and participants would be required to sign written agreements restricting outdoor activities such as cooking, camping or playing music outside their vehicles.

The church campus is located within a Public and Semi-Public zoning district, which is consistent with institutional land use designations. The proposed use aligns with Pasadena’s 2023 housing-related zoning amendments that allow safe parking facilities on religious campuses through conditional use permits.

The Department of Planning and Community Development said the program would be situated at least 300 feet away from residential properties to minimize impacts on neighbors. The proposal does not include any physical modifications to existing structures or parking layouts.

Multiple city departments, including Police, Housing, Fire and Public Works, have reviewed the project and found it acceptable. The Police Department recommended the overnight security requirement.

Environmental review determined the project qualifies for a categorical exemption due to the minimal impact on existing facilities, according to city planning documents.

The Planning Department has recommended approval of the permit with conditions, including limits on the number of vehicles, operational hours and requirements for prompt removal of trash and graffiti. The conditions also provide the Zoning Administrator authority to review or revoke the permit if issues arise.

The safe parking initiative is designed to serve vehicle-dwelling populations, described as a growing segment of the unhoused community. The program aims to provide stable, secure overnight accommodations while participants work toward permanent housing solutions.