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Board introduces homeless encampment ordinance with storage, cleanup and enforcement rules
Summary
Supervisors introduced and waived first reading of a new ordinance addressing homeless encampments on public property; the measure sets cleanup procedures, a minimum 60–90 day public-storage requirement for belongings and enforcement standards, and drew questions about storage duration and liability.
The Trinity County Board of Supervisors on June 4 introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance creating Trinity County Code section 8.41 addressing encampments on public property, including procedures for cleanup, public-safety priorities, and storage of personal property removed during encampment clearance.
County staff described the ordinance as focused on public safety and on safeguarding the rights of people experiencing homelessness. The ordinance instructs county personnel to remove hazards, to provide notice and outreach, and to place personal property removed from encampments into secure storage for a state-minimum period. Staff said a minimum 60-day retention period is required by recent state guidance and local practice had proposed 90 days for additional legal caution.
Questions and concerns: Supervisors and members of the public raised practical and legal concerns about storing personal property: who will pay for storage, how county staff will determine what items qualify as personal property, and liability if items are damaged. One supervisor said she was concerned about the administrative cost and ambiguity of determining the value of items such as sentimental objects. County counsel noted the state-level guidance requires a minimum 60 days; staff recommended 90 days as a conservative approach to reduce legal exposure.
Why it matters: The ordinance addresses a recurring issue for county roadsides, parks and public rights-of-way, balancing community safety and removal of hazards with protections and outreach for people living outdoors. The county’s ad hoc committee and several departments contributed to the draft, and the board emphasized the need to coordinate storage logistics with available county or contracted storage space.
Vote and next steps: The board voted 5-0 to introduce and waive reading of the ordinance. Staff said they will refine logistical details, publish outreach materials and return with the ordinance for a second reading and adoption.
Ending: Supervisors stressed the ordinance is an operational tool combining enforcement with outreach and services; questions about storage costs and property valuation will be tracked as staff finalize implementation guidance.
