Half Moon Bay weighs county 'Hopeful Horizons' encampment ordinance while emphasizing regional, compassionate approach

City staff presented an update on homelessness resources in Half Moon Bay and reviewed the county’s Hopeful Horizons encampment ordinance model, which conditions enforcement on shelter availability and implements a 72‑hour notice with diversion services before any enforcement action.

Staff noted partner resources such as Coast House (county‑operated shelter) and outreach provided by Pacifica Resource Center and Abundant Grace; staff reported that Coast House currently houses 54 adults and 10 children on site and that shelter availability fluctuates. The county ordinance would require outreach, shelter offers, diversion programs, and storage of personal property for 90 days; in exigent circumstances the timeline can be shortened.

Council and public discussion focused on: whether shelter capacity could reliably be made available for Coast‑side residents; how the city would store and manage personal property; cleanup and remediation costs for riparian and environmentally sensitive areas; the potential to include private property in an adopted ordinance (Millbrae’s ordinance was cited as a model); and the importance of a regional approach to secure county support and resources. Several public commenters and a county representative urged a regional implementation and additional resources to support compassionate enforcement.

Outcome: Council did not adopt an ordinance tonight but signaled general support for exploring an approach that includes local amendments (e.g., waterways) and regional coordination; staff was asked to bring additional analysis and to return with options during priority setting.