Humboldt supervisors extend safe parking, shelter pilot ordinance through 2036

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously April 21 to extend the county's safe parking and safe shelter pilot ordinance through Jan. 1, 2036, and to update technical building-code language and coastal sanitation provisions.

The extension, presented by County staff, applies both to inland and coastal versions of the pilot program and implements a housing-element measure (HIM-56) allowing government agencies, religious institutions and nonprofits to operate supervised sites where people living in vehicles can stay free of charge while accessing services.

"The purpose of this ordinance is to implement its implementation measure HIM56 of the housing element," staff presenter Megan Aso said during her presentation to the board, describing how the ordinance authorizes government, nonprofit or faith-based sites to operate safe parking and shelter programs. She noted the coastal ordinance was amended to include graywater and blackwater disposal language to match inland standards before submittal to the California Coastal Commission for certification.

Board members who spoke before the vote described the ordinance as a pragmatic tool for managing unsanctioned encampments while offering a pathway to services. "I appreciate the extension and, you know, working on this ordinance to perfect it," Supervisor Madron said, adding that funding to operate such sites remains the larger obstacle to creating functioning, staffed locations.

The measure was approved by unanimous consent after the board clarified that the ordinance does not legalize all illegal encampments; sites must be run by an eligible sponsor and meet program requirements.

What happens next: The board directed staff to adopt the ordinance changes, publish the post-adoption summary and forward the coastal ordinance to the Coastal Commission for certification.

Speakers quoted: Megan Aso, staff presenter; Supervisor Steve Madron (Board).