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Regular-General Government # 33.
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| Board of Supervisors |
County Administrator |
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| Subject |
| Introduce by title only, waive first reading, and continue to the next regularly scheduled meeting for adoption of an ordinance entitled “Promotion of Open and Safe Public Spaces,” proposed to regulate the placement of tents and similar structures on County property. (No general fund impact) (Nunes/Will) |
| Recommended Action |
| Introduce by title only, waive first reading, and receive a staff presentation and public comment regarding a proposed ordinance entitled “Promotion of Open and Safe Public Spaces,” proposed to regulate the placement of tents and similar structures on County property. |
| Strategic Plan Goal(s) |
| Safe Communities |
| Reason for Recommended Action/Background |
Background
The County of Yolo (“County”) has experienced an increase in homeless encampments on its property in recent months. These encampments pose threats to the health and safety for the people living in them, and they make our public spaces and the adjoining neighborhoods less safe and less healthy for families, residents, and visitors to County offices and facilities. Furthermore, tents and other erected shelters may provide a shield for criminal activity and are not customary or traditional uses for public spaces. Therefore, the County is seeking strategies to discourage encampments on its properties in a reasonable, humane manner that protects the property interests of affected individuals and ensures they will be informed of opportunities for County services relevant to their individual needs.
Current Efforts
In response to the increased homeless population and presence of encampments, the County has been active in developing strategies to facilitate positive change in this area. County staff have been meeting with the City and 4th & Hope representatives to discuss the growing population and associated concerns as well as a strategy for meeting both the needs of those experiencing homelessness and for ensuring that the County Administration Building remains a safe place to work and visit. Furthermore, County staff have researched strategies employed by other jurisdictions that provide strategies for reducing the presence of encampments and associated health and safety hazards.
These discussions and research have led to the development of the ordinance accompanying this Board letter. The ordinance is based very closely on a City of San Francisco ordinance regulating the same subject. If adopted, it would provide a tool for reducing encampments by allowing their removal after advance notice. The ordinance includes the following key provisions and guidance:
- Prohibition of encampments upon County property;
- Prior to being ordered to remove an encampment, occupants shall receive information regarding any housing, shelter, and other available health and human services;
- Enforcement may be enforced by the Sheriff’s Office, Health and Human Services Agency, Department of Environmental Health, Department of General Services, and local law enforcement;
- Enforcing employees shall provide occupants with 24-hour notice of intent to remove any encampment and post a written notice of the intent to remove on or near the structure; and
- Personal property may be retained by occupant unless the items pose a health or safety risk or are considered contraband.
Importantly, the ordinance would not require individuals to leave County property—it regulates only encampments, as defined therein (generally tents or similar temporary structures). Also, no citations may be issued for a violation of this ordinance. It is intended to facilitate the removal of encampments and not to punish the occupants or to subject them to fines or other punitive measures.
As indicated above, in addition to the proposed ordinance, County staff are examining several options to facilitate solutions around homelessness and encampments. One effort underway is analyzing the potential to accelerate development of the City’s proposed supportive housing and shelter campus located at 102 and Beamer. Another step currently being taken is regular meetings between City and County staff to develop and offer pathways to permanent housing and strategies including ensuring steady income, health benefits, case management, and transitional housing leading to permanent housing with appropriate support to ensure success. This work will continue regardless of whether the Board adopts the proposed ordinance. |
| Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies) |
| This item was developed in coordination with the County Administrator's Office and County Counsel. Staff also consulted with the DA and Woodland Police Department in recommending this strategy. |
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