Ukiah moves toward encampment ordinance that doesn’t require shelter-bed availability

The Ukiah City Council has given unanimous initial approval to an ordinance that follows state guidance about unhoused people camping in public spaces and removes a requirement that encampments can only be cleared if shelter space is available.

At its Sept. 17 meeting, the City Council approved introducing the ordinance amendment that will follow Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent guidance on how local jurisdictions should address homeless encampments. The council is expected to give final approval at a later meeting.