The Sacramento City Council is tightening up the rules around City Hall, with an updated ordinance coming into effect on August 28 aimed at ensuring that the area remains unblocked for employees and visitors. The new regulations, highlighted in Section 12.74.030 of the City Code which were approved on July 29, are replacing an earlier version from 2019 that somewhat controversially allowed individuals to shelter near City Hall overnight. Sacramento City Express reports the amendment is part of the city’s strategy to maintain “a safe, professional and accessible civic environment,” as stated by Mayor Kevin McCarty.
Notably, the revised ordinance prohibits sitting, lying down on the grounds, unless it’s on designated seating provided by the city, and the use of items like tents and sleeping bags is forbidden, which marks a shift from previous rules the camping, occupying camp facilities, storing personal property, or using tents, bedrolls, or sleeping bags, which were previously allowed during certain hours is now banned, creating a policy alignment with the city’s broader initiatives to address homelessness. Sacramento has notably increased its investments in this area, now funding 1,375 shelter spaces every night, an increase from the fewer than 100 beds available at the time of the 2019 ordinance, with additional shelter spaces expected to become operational soon.
The new policy is not just about prohibition but also includes outreach efforts, led by the Department of Community Response (DCR). The DCR has taken on the role of education throughout this month before the ordinance takes effect, providing flyers and on-site information tables, as well as having security personnel hand out informational material to those in the vicinity. “Our outreach workers are engaging directly with individuals currently sheltering on or near City Hall property to ensure they understand the ordinance and are connected to available shelter and resources,” DCR lead and City Incident Management Team leader Brian Pedro told Sacramento City Express…