San Diego, California – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to proceed with drafting a tougher version of the county’s unsafe camping ordinance. The ordinance aims to reduce the risk of wildfires linked to homeless encampments in unincorporated areas.
The 4-0 vote continues a process that began in October 2023, when the board asked then-Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer to propose changes to the existing ordinance, which dates back to 1968. In recent months, Robins-Meyer passed direction of the changes to her successor, Ebony Shelton, who has since worked with staff and community advocates to craft a balanced update.
The updated ordinance is expected to include new provisions specifically addressing fire risk, restrictions in vulnerable areas like open space preserves and critical infrastructure zones, and a 24-hour notice requirement for homeless individuals impacted by enforcement…