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Project Overview
The County is exploring options to further safeguard unincorporated communities and public infrastructure from risks related to unsafe camping while considering and addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
The County is considering multiple options, including keeping its existing camping ban or expanding regulations by modifying existing ordinance to address unsafe camping, including the following:
Reducing risk of fires in the unincorporated areas
Offering shelter and resources to people experiencing homelessness before enforcement
Adding protections for open spaces and preserves, critical public works infrastructure, and County parks
Formalizing existing procedures for clearing encampments, including notification and management of personal property
Background
County Regulatory Code Section 73.108 protects public property in the unincorporated county from unauthorized camping. The existing ordinance does not require that shelter be made available before enforcement of the camping ban. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in City of Grants Passv. Johnson, which states that local camping ordinances can be enforced regardless of whether shelter is available, means that the County can begin enforcing the existing ordinance as written. Under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, the County is also developing additional options to expand on the existing ordinance for the Board’s consideration.
More details regarding the County’s current ordinance and procedures, as well as the options being considered for the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, can be found here.
In considering options for the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, the County will explore the following factors:
Fire risk mitigation and protection
Habitat protection and the environment
Public safety and protection of infrastructure
Homeless shelter availability
Access to services for persons experiencing homelessness
Procedures for clearing encampments
Outreach, engagement, and enforcement processes
Public and stakeholder input
Compliance with legal requirements
How you can you participate in the process:
Stay informed by reviewing the information on this site
Share the information with others
Participate in community meetings and public hearings
Participate in the engagement tools on this site
Project Overview
The County is exploring options to further safeguard unincorporated communities and public infrastructure from risks related to unsafe camping while considering and addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
The County is considering multiple options, including keeping its existing camping ban or expanding regulations by modifying existing ordinance to address unsafe camping, including the following:
Reducing risk of fires in the unincorporated areas
Offering shelter and resources to people experiencing homelessness before enforcement
Adding protections for open spaces and preserves, critical public works infrastructure, and County parks
Formalizing existing procedures for clearing encampments, including notification and management of personal property
Background
County Regulatory Code Section 73.108 protects public property in the unincorporated county from unauthorized camping. The existing ordinance does not require that shelter be made available before enforcement of the camping ban. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in City of Grants Passv. Johnson, which states that local camping ordinances can be enforced regardless of whether shelter is available, means that the County can begin enforcing the existing ordinance as written. Under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, the County is also developing additional options to expand on the existing ordinance for the Board’s consideration.
More details regarding the County’s current ordinance and procedures, as well as the options being considered for the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, can be found here.
In considering options for the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, the County will explore the following factors:
Fire risk mitigation and protection
Habitat protection and the environment
Public safety and protection of infrastructure
Homeless shelter availability
Access to services for persons experiencing homelessness
Procedures for clearing encampments
Outreach, engagement, and enforcement processes
Public and stakeholder input
Compliance with legal requirements
How you can you participate in the process:
Stay informed by reviewing the information on this site
Share the information with others
Participate in community meetings and public hearings
The County is exploring options related to unauthorized camping in the unincorporated area and on County property. The goal is to create a balance between public safety and the rights and dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness as it relates to the risks of unsafe camping. Your input will be presented to the Board of Supervisors in addition to other factors for their consideration.
The survey may take about 5 minutes to complete. Please note that the survey needs to be completed in one sitting. You will not be able to save answers and return to the survey at a later time.
The survey will close on September 30, 2024. Thank you for your participation!
Language and Accessibility Services
To access the survey in another language, select your preferred language from the Google Translate widget on the top right-hand corner of the page.
If you need disability accommodations or would like to provide your feedback in an alternate format, please contact quentin.brooks@sdcounty.ca.gov and provide your name and preferred contact method and we will connect with you. Alternatively, you may call (619) 531-5413.
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