REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 9, 2025
FROM
CARRIE HARMON, Director, Community Development and Housing Department
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of Ordinance Adding a Chapter to the San Bernardino County Code, Relating to Camping on Public Property and Obstruction of Public Rights of Way
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Adopt Ordinance adding Chapter 9 to Division 8 of Title 2 of the San Bernardino County Code, relating to camping on public property and obstruction of public rights of way, which was introduced on August 19, 2025, Item No. 72.
(Presenter: Carrie Harmon, Director, 382-3983)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost), as these updates to the San Bernardino County (County) Code are non-financial in nature.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The ordinance adding Chapter 9 to Division 8 of Title 2 of the San Bernardino County Code relating to camping on public property and obstruction of public rights of way was introduced on August 19, 2025, Item No. 72. The recommendation before the Board of Supervisors (Board) today will adopt the ordinance on the Consent Calendar.
This ordinance represents a key milestone in the County’s efforts to address growing public health and safety concerns associated with encampments on County public lands. It supports the County’s broader, multi-pronged approach to homelessness, which includes significant investments in shelter and supportive housing infrastructure, such as the Housing Development Grant Fund, the Pacific Village Campus expansion, and motel conversions providing interim and permanent housing. These capital efforts are part of a larger strategy to reduce unsheltered homelessness and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing housing instability.
Adoption of this ordinance is also consistent with Executive Order N-1-24 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom on July 25, 2024, which encourages local jurisdictions to take compassionate and proactive action to remove encampments from public spaces. In line with this directive, the County is committed to pairing enforcement with outreach and services that connect individuals to appropriate shelter and long-term housing.
Development of the ordinance was informed by extensive collaboration among key County departments, including Community Development and Housing, Office of Homeless Services, Public Works and Land Use Services. These departments will continue working collaboratively to support encampment residents through coordinated entry, case management, transportation, and behavioral health services, ensuring that implementation of the ordinance prioritizes both human dignity and community well-being.
The effective date of the proposed ordinance will be 30 days from the date of adoption by the Board.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by the Office of Homeless Services (Marcus Dillard, Chief of Homeless Services, 501-0610) on August 15, 2025; Land Use Services (Marlene Ambriz, Assistant Director, 387-4072) on August 14, 2025; Public Works (Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906) on August 13, 2025; County Counsel (Daniel Pasek and Suzanne Bryant, Deputies County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 14, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Allegra Pajot, Administrative Analyst, 388-0218) on August 19, 2025.