People try to recover belongings from a fire that engulfs tents at a homeless encampment in (Photo by Mike Campbell/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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.
A key proposal would allow law enforcement officers to issue citations only if the encampment presents an “imminent risk of serious injury, or spread of wildfire or communicable disease.” This language reflects concerns about public safety and unhoused individuals’ rights.
Dijana Beck, director of the county’s Office of Homeless Solutions, said her team received and incorporated feedback from homeless advocates and other stakeholders to shape the ordinance’s language. The goal, she said, was to balance safety with compassion.
Supervisor Joel Anderson consistently advocated for reducing fire hazards in the county’s rural areas and praised staff for what he called a delicate balancing act. “This was a difficult task for you to thread the needle, and yet you found a way to do it,” Anderson said during the meeting.
The ordinance would empower law enforcement to shut down illegal encampments, remove improperly stored items from public spaces, and secure vacant properties from fire and environmental damage.
The board is scheduled to review and vote on the final version of the ordinance on May 20. If passed, it would take effect 30 days later.
Supporters argue the ordinance is necessary to protect communities from wildfire threats, while critics have raised concerns about its potential impact on homeless individuals lacking alternatives. County officials said the final draft will continue to incorporate feedback and seek to avoid punitive measures unless absolutely necessary.
