Carlsbad council introduces ordinance to curb overnight vehicle dwelling, pairs enforcement with outreach

The Carlsbad City Council voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 8.36 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code to allow enforcement of public-camping prohibitions in vehicles, while staff emphasized the measure would be implemented alongside outreach and shelter services.

Mandy Mills, the city’s housing and homeless services director, said the proposal aims for “a balanced approach to helping people experiencing homelessness secure housing while continuing to reduce the impacts of homelessness on the community.” Police Chief Christy Calderwood told the council enforcement would be used alongside outreach: warnings and referrals are the first tools, and citations or arrests would remain options when unlawful behavior continues or services are refused.

Why it matters

City staff told the council the number of people living in vehicles in Carlsbad nearly doubled between two Point-in-Time counts, rising from 29 to 56. Regionwide, the number of people living in vehicles increased 44%…