Does the City have an ordinance related to homeless encampments?

On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the Santa Rosa City Council approved a recommendation by the Housing and Community Services Department that Council introduce an ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 11-22 of the Santa Rosa City Code (Camping on Public Streets and Public Property). The decision followed the first reading of the proposed ordinance and a public hearing at which community members offered input on the proposed ordinance. The purpose of updating the ordinance is to eliminate a blanket ban on camping on public property to align with Martin v. City of Boise, a 2019 decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and to establish standards for camping on public or private property that protect the health and safety of the community. Click here to read more.

Santa Rosa City Council approved the ordinance following a second reading at the Tuesday, August 22, 2023 Council meeting. The ordinance became effective on September 22, 2023.

For questions, concerns, or to report encampments on public property, please continue to email [email protected], submit the issue online, or call 707-543-3311. Homeless Services continues to coordinate the response by the City’s Encampment Team (which includes the Santa Rosa Police Department). To report an encampment on private property, please contact the City's Code Enforcement division at [email protected], 707-543-3198, or submit a complaint

If you witness or know of other Illegal activity occurring, it should be reported to the Santa Rosa Police Department’s 24/7 non-emergency line at 707-528-5222. For urgent matters call 911.

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1. What is the City doing to address homelessness in our community?
2. Where can people go rather than living on the streets?
3. What is being done about encampments on public property?
4. What can be done about encampments on private property?
5. What are the legal constraints to the City’s ability to address encampments?
6. Does the City have an ordinance related to homeless encampments?
7. Does the City enforce laws about vehicles/RVs parked on City streets?
8. How do I request signage to restrict street parking?
9. What is being done about illegal activity?
10. How can I help?