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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Camping Ordinance PPTHomelessness Update: Camping Ordinance and Sanctioned Camping Area April 7, 2025 Presentation Overview 1.Six-month evaluation of Camping Ordinance (effective October 2024) 2.Update on Sanctioned Camping Area (SCA) progress 3.Proposed amendment to Camping Ordinance Enforcement of the Camping Regulations Violation of setbacks, size maximums, and illegal structures Every Tuesday: San Rafael Police Officers review known encampment areas, issue 48- hour notice for violations 48-Hours later, Thursday: Debris removal by City’s contractors and in cases of non- compliance, citation may be issued by SRPD Camping in a prohibited area violation, e.g. South Mahon Path Every Tuesday and other times as reported: San Rafael Police Officers review reported sites, issue 24-hour notice to vacate the area 24-Hours later: Debris removal by City’s contractors and in cases of non- compliance,citation may be issued Evaluation of Current Camping Regulations Category May – Sept 2024 Oct 2024 – Feb 2025 Change Calls for Service 161 223 +38.51% Campsite Warning Police Reports 84 69 -17.86% •Increased community awareness of reporting channels •Reduced Campsite violations associated with SCA Implementation •No individuals camping in City Parks, as of April 4th, 2025 Sanctioned Camping Area (SCA) Evaluation Opening Date: October 4, 2024 | Capacity: Full at 50 participants Housing Progress: •1 participant moved into permanent housing •1 participant received housing voucher, actively searching for housing Case Management Services: •March 2025: 60% of participants working with case managers •April 2025: 2 additional case managers and 1 outreach worker to be added Participant Success & Impact: •5 participants have gained employment •Improved stability & gaining housing readiness •Increased access to medical & social services Constraints of Shelter Availability Proposed Amendments to Chapter 19.50 •Growing concern for unhoused individuals camping in parks due to the safety hazard posed by fires, especially in areas near dry vegetation. •February 24, 2025, Cal Fire released its updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones map •San Rafael Parks within the FHSZ: •Gerstle, Sun Valley, Peacock Gap, Victor Jones, Santa Margarita, Jerry Russom Memorial, and Terra Linda Proposed Amendments to Chapter 19.50 •Due to heightened fire risks and community concerns, staff recommends amending Chapter 19.50 to prohibit camping in Fire Hazard Severity Zones •Existing camping prohibitions in Albert Park, Boyd Park, and Falkirk Cultural Center already limit camping in city parks. •Staff recommend amending Chapter 19.50 to prohibit camping in all San Rafael City parks. Community Outreach Downtown Businesses •Early in 2025, Community Services Division Staff and the Chamber of Commerce visited businesses in Downtown San Rafael to listen to concerns regarding homelessness. Homelessness Solutions Working Group •Group of 30 Residents who self-selected to participate for three meetings over six months. •Provided feedback on potential changes to Chapter 19.50 •Majority supported prohibiting camping in parks, either entirely or within the FHSZ locations. Public Inquiry & Comment •City staff have received hundreds of inquiries and comments from members of the public via email, phone, or in-person. •Majority of feedback received is in alignment with the change to prohibit camping in San Rafael parks. Recommended Action 1.Introduce the Ordinance, waive further reading of the Ordinance, and refer to it by title only. Thank you! April 7, 2025