DATE:
May 6, 2025 and May 20, 2025
19
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 7, DIVISION 3 AND AMENDING TITLE 4, DIVISION 2, CHAPTER 1 OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE OF REGULATORY ORDINANCES, RELATING TO UNAUTHORIZED CAMPING AND PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACE AND PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE (5/6/2025 - First Reading; 5/20/25- Second Reading unless ordinance is modified on second reading) (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On March 11, 2025 (13), staff presented options to the Board of Supervisors (Board) to enhance the current County of San Diego (County) Ordinance (County Regulatory Code Section 73.108) to address Unauthorized Camping in the Unincorporated Area. The options included components that address fire risk, adding protections to additional areas, and formalizing encampment abatement practices. Based on direction from the Board, the following enhancements will be included to amend the County's current ordinance relating to Unauthorized Camping and Protection of Open Space and Public Works infrastructure:
* Enhancement A: Add provisions related to fire risk.
* Enhancement B: Add protections in specific areas such as open spaces and Public Works infrastructure.
* Additional Enhancement: Add provision that specifies before enforcement actions occur, sufficient and appropriate shelter beds must be available for all unhoused individuals in the unincorporated area, and appropriate shelter beds must be offered to eligible individuals and refused, except in cases where there is an imminent public safety or public health risk, such as a fire or an outbreak of a contagious disease.
Today's item requests the Board to approve the introduction of an ordinance relating to unauthorized camping and the protection of property owned, leased or managed by the County, including open space and Public Works infrastructure such as culverts, channels, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways, streets or public rights of way, and airports. If the Boar...
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