Placer County considers ban on camping during day in public areas

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Placer County is considering an ordinance that would ban camping on its property and public areas during the day.”This was a response to a number of concerns raised by constituents and staff as to the eroding state of the Placer County Government Center,” said Deputy County Executive Officer Bekki Riggan.Unless there is bad weather, like rain or snow, the proposed ordinance would ban camping on public land during the day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. That also would mean that all property, like tents, chairs and bicycles, would have to be removed from the area.People camping would first be given information on any available housing or shelter. Then, formal notice of the intent to remove an encampment would have to be given at least two days in advance.On Tuesday, the Placer County Board of Supervisors had mixed feelings on the proposal, with some in support and others against it.”I am in support of the ordinance that you are considering today,” Wayne Nader said. “While it is harsh, I don’t see any other way to change the course of where this is headed.” “It, unfortunately, further criminalizes houselessness, poverty and mental health,” said the Rev. Alex da Silva Souto.The county said it is identifying other options for where people would be able to go during the day, including libraries and two sites at the Government Center that would be limited to 25 people at a time. After about 45 minutes of public comment, county supervisors voted to postpone a decision on the ordinance until March 8.

Placer County is considering an ordinance that would ban camping on its property and public areas during the day.

“This was a response to a number of concerns raised by constituents and staff as to the eroding state of the Placer County Government Center,” said Deputy County Executive Officer Bekki Riggan.

Unless there is bad weather, like rain or snow, the proposed ordinance would ban camping on public land during the day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. That also would mean that all property, like tents, chairs and bicycles, would have to be removed from the area.

People camping would first be given information on any available housing or shelter. Then, formal notice of the intent to remove an encampment would have to be given at least two days in advance.

On Tuesday, the Placer County Board of Supervisors had mixed feelings on the proposal, with some in support and others against it.

“I am in support of the ordinance that you are considering today,” Wayne Nader said. “While it is harsh, I don’t see any other way to change the course of where this is headed.”

“It, unfortunately, further criminalizes houselessness, poverty and mental health,” said the Rev. Alex da Silva Souto.

The county said it is identifying other options for where people would be able to go during the day, including libraries and two sites at the Government Center that would be limited to 25 people at a time.

After about 45 minutes of public comment, county supervisors voted to postpone a decision on the ordinance until March 8.

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