New laws in Anaheim took effect last week that restrict homeless encampments and the obstruction of public spaces, illicit sidewalk bicycle chop shops and smoking in parks and other places.
Two new ordinances and an amendment to an existing law took effect Nov. 28 following City Council approval on Oct. 29. The legislative action expands on Anaheim’s existing prohibitions on camping, bike theft and smoking in many specified places.
“The new and expanded ordinances apply to everyone in Anaheim, including those living in homelessness,” according to the city’s announcement of the new laws.
“The changes address life destroying drug use, loss of public spaces and other unsustainable issues at Anaheim parks, bus stops, along streets, freeways and railways and other public spaces,” officials said.
Public spaces
One set of legal changes adds provisions to the Anaheim Municipal Code banning abandoned property on sidewalks and other public areas, as well as lying on or blocking sidewalks, staying in road medians, parkways and other landscaped areas and extended sleeping or lying down on bus benches, park tables and other spaces.