The Ukiah City Council on Wednesday will consider altering an ordinance to follow state guidance on public camping in cities, including removing a requirement that encampments can only be cleared if shelter space is available.
The proposed changes stem from the 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which stated that criminal punishment of people camping in public spaces is not considered “cruel and unusual” under the Eighth Amendment.
Earlier this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a “model ordinance” that provides guidance to jurisdictions on addressing homeless encampments, including providing advance notice and partnering with service providers and shelters.
One proposed change to the city ordinance removes the requirement that authorities can only intervene in homeless encampments if shelter space is available or if a person refuses to use it. This means local authorities can take action even when no shelter beds are available.
The change also states that the Ukiah Police Department and other city officials must make efforts to help individuals in violation of the ordinance find shelter. Another proposed alteration would allow the chief of the Ukiah Police Department to delegate enforcement authority to other city officials.
The proposal also explicitly prohibits camping in the public right of way in a manner that blocks a pathway, in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
The council is expected to introduce the ordinance at Wednesday’s meeting and would need to give final approval of it at a later date.
The City Council meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Ukiah Civic Center at 300 Seminary Ave. Residents can also participate virtually via a Zoom link at the top of the agenda. Public comments can be emailed to meetings@cityofukiah.com or called in at (707) 463-6217.