Desert Hot Springs council adopts urgency ordinance tightening encampment rules

The City Council of Desert Hot Springs on March 18 adopted an urgency ordinance amending chapter 12.04 of the municipal code to regulate unauthorized camping, abatement procedures and enforcement on public property.

Deputy city manager Christina Nome told the council the action responds to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson and a state executive order urging local policies to address encampments. The urgency ordinance, which requires a four-fifths vote to take effect immediately, and a companion non-urgency ordinance were both presented. The urgency measure codifies definitions for “encampment” and related terms, sets procedures for notice and abatement of encampments (48 hours was discussed as the standard notice for nonemergency abatements), and establishes enforcement and penalties as well as protections for waterways.

Councilmembers discussed the appropriate length of notice for abatement, with some members and the city attorney saying due-process considerations require adequate notice and others urging shorter timelines when encampments are adjacent to residences. The council also confirmed emergency abatements remain available for situations that pose immediate hazards, such as encampments blocking bus stops or creating fire risks.

On a motion and unanimous vote, the council adopted the urgency ordinance so that the provisions take effect immediately. The non-urgency ordinance will return for second reading and formal adoption on April 1.

Council directed staff to continue coordinating homelessness services (including the Hub and existing outreach efforts) while enforcing the new provisions. The city attorney and staff said the ordinance is intended to provide a consistent local procedure for abating encampments while preserving authority to act urgently in hazardous circumstances.