The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved a significant expansion of the county’s anti-camping ordinance on Tuesday, extending enforcement capabilities to include private property. The measure, introduced by District 4 Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez—who represents Rio Linda and Elverta—aims to address the migration of encampments from public spaces onto vacant lots and business properties.
For residents in the rural and semi-rural areas of Rio Linda and Elverta, where large parcels of private land are common, this change grants the Sheriff’s Office new authority. Previously, deputies generally required a property owner’s direct request or permission to remove trespassers. Under the new rules, law enforcement can clear encampments on private land even if the property owner is absent, unreachable, or unwilling to act.
How the New Rules Work
The ordinance, which takes effect in 30 days, makes camping on private property illegal unless strict conditions are met. This is particularly relevant for local landowners who may occasionally allow individuals to stay on their acreage.
Under the new regulations:
- Written Permission: Individuals must have express written consent from the landowner.
- Time Limits: Camping is restricted to no more than 72 consecutive hours and is limited to three instances per calendar year.
- Sanitation & Safety: Campers must have access to toilet facilities and trash collection, and the site must remain free of fire hazards—a critical concern during our region’s dry season.
If these conditions are not met, deputies are authorized to issue warnings or refer individuals to homeless services. If compliance is not achieved, law enforcement can remove structures and equipment. While personal belongings must be stored by the county for at least 90 days, refusal to vacate or interference with cleanup efforts could result in a misdemeanor citation or arrest.
A Quiet Passage
Despite the ordinance’s broad implications for property rights and homeless enforcement, the Board approved the item via the consent calendar. This process is typically reserved for routine, non-controversial technical matters and allows items to pass without individual public debate among the supervisors.
The Reasoning Behind the Ban
Supervisor Rodriguez stated that the expansion is a necessary response to increased enforcement on public lands, which has inadvertently pushed encampments onto private parcels. Her position is that increasing the difficulty of living in encampments may encourage unhoused individuals to accept county services, such as shelter referrals, mental health support, and substance use treatment.
Supporters of the measure, including residents from neighboring areas like Arden Arcade, have argued that the change is long overdue. They cited issues with vacant buildings becoming magnets for graffiti, trash, and drug use, noting that law enforcement previously claimed they lacked the authority to intervene without the owner’s explicit report.
Concerns Over Rights and Feasibility
The ordinance has drawn criticism from civil rights attorneys and housing advocates who argue it infringes on property owners’ rights to determine how their land is used. Critics suggest that the county already possesses the tools to address unsafe conditions without enacting a new ban.
Next Steps
Supervisor Rodriguez emphasized that deputies and outreach teams will continue to offer services before resorting to enforcement. However, once the 30-day window passes, Rio Linda and Elverta residents can expect to see a shift in how the Sheriff’s Office handles reports of encampments on private lots.
Post Views: 124