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Council to review inspections and oversight of permanent supportive housing after police drug raid
Summary
Councilmember Becerra requested staff return with options to increase oversight of permanent supportive housing after a February search‑warrant operation found drugs inside a supportive housing community. Staff and council asked for legal analysis, cost estimates and police calls‑for‑service data before drafting any inspection ordinance.
Following a police search‑warrant operation in February that uncovered narcotics inside a permanent supportive housing complex, Councilmember Becerra asked the City Council to direct staff to develop policy options to improve oversight of permanent supportive housing properties.
Becerra told the council he supports permanent supportive housing but is concerned that annual inspections and current oversight are not sufficient to prevent harmful activity on site. He asked staff to return by Aug. 5 with vetted options — not necessarily door‑to‑door monthly checks — that could range from increased inspections to other monitoring mechanisms and publicly posted inspection results.
City Attorney and staff cautioned that legal issues could arise, including federal funding rules, HUD requirements and fair‑housing concerns. The City Attorney said the matter will require careful legal vetting because public commenters and outside correspondents had already raised questions about whether a city inspection ordinance would conflict with existing state or federal protections.
What council asked staff to provide - Legal analysis of risks, including any potential conflicts with HUD rules, state law and fair‑housing or privacy concerns. - Cost estimates and operational plans: can the city perform more frequent inspections, or would additional staff/contractors be required? How many units would be affected? - Data from the police department and code enforcement: calls for service, prior enforcement actions and the frequency of complaints at supportive‑housing properties. - Options for tighter enforcement through property managers and through the entitlement process for new developments.
Councilmembers’ positions: Several members said they want to avoid a heavy‑handed, discriminatory approach and not to single out residents receiving supportive services. They still emphasized the city’s responsibility to protect vulnerable tenants and neighbors and to hold property managers accountable for safety and code compliance.
Next step: City Attorney and staff will prepare the requested legal analysis, cost estimates and operational proposals for council consideration; Becerra proposed returning on Aug. 5 to review options.
Ending: Council agreed staff should return with a vetted package addressing legal exposure, costs and enforcement options before any ordinance is drafted or returned for a formal vote.
