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Supervisors approve ordinance related to camping on public property and public rights of way

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors took an important step toward humanely eliminating homeless encampments by adopting an ordinance that seeks to protect individuals experiencing homelessness by transitioning them out of environments that are considered unsafe from both a public health and safety standpoint.

The ordinance prohibits camping on county public property where individuals are exposed to dangers such as flooding, wildfire, extreme cold, extreme heat, rail collisions and traffic accidents. 

“The number of encampments on county public property has increased over recent years,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “These conditions threaten not only those living within the encampments, but also the broader community. The goal of this ordinance is to address critical health and safety risks, while also ensuring that people experiencing homelessness have access to the care and support they need.”

The ordinance aligns with an executive order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom in July 2024 encouraging local governments to adopt policies to address homeless encampments and take action to humanely remove encampments.

“Passing this ordinance is an important step in our proactive approach to addressing homeless encampments,” said Rowe. “It also ensures that people experiencing homelessness have access to the appropriate supportive services.”  

The board adopted the ordinance on Sept. 9. Following adoption, the county will prioritize flood channels and other areas that expose inhabitants to critical health and safety dangers and humanely relocate individuals while connecting them to housing and supportive services. The county has consistently conducted homeless outreach events to engage individuals, and these efforts will continue prior to any encampment clearing.

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