Board approves first reading of ordinance addressing illegal encampments on county property; 4–1 vote

The Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 on Nov. 4 to approve the first reading of an ordinance creating standards and procedures to address illegal encampments and camping on unincorporated county and Orange County Flood Control District property.

Supervisors Don Wagner and Vice Chair Foley, the ordinance co‑sponsors, said the measure is intended to make county enforcement consistent with a recent court decision and to provide sheriff’s deputies and county staff with clear legal authority and standardized procedures. Wagner said the ordinance is intended to be used alongside care coordination and outreach, not as a substitute for services.

Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento said he would dissent, urging continued emphasis on the county’s prior settlement-driven approaches and raising concerns that enforcement could result in people being moved across county districts without plans for return. Assistant Sheriff Jeff Puckett described custody‑release practices used to help people return to their communities of origin, including bus passes and Project Kinship transportation.

What the board did: The motion for first reading and to set a second reading/adoption date carried by a 4–1 vote. The transcript records Supervisor Sarmiento’s dissent; other supervisors voted to proceed. The ordinance applies to unincorporated areas and flood control district property and was drafted with an eye toward preserving county eligibility for certain state and federal homelessness grants that require enforcement of camping restrictions.

Implementation: Sponsors said the ordinance is intended to be implemented with coordinated outreach and shelter offers rather than solely by enforcement; the board instructed staff to use the ordinance within the county’s broader system of care.