The end date of the court settlement that’s outlined how Chico enforces homeless encampments is fast approaching, and that has city leadership considering ways to tighten its rules.
City Attorney Ryan Jones will be presenting to councilors on Tuesday, Aug. 18 on ways to crack down on encampments once the Warren v. Chico settlement expires in January.
In a report, Jones suggests changing the municipal code to make it so people can be cited or arrested for sleeping outside on public property — regardless of whether shelter beds are available.
Right now, that’s against the rules of the settlement agreement.
Jones additionally recommends making it easier to remove people’s personal items from public property.
The city is also thinking about creating a vacant property ordinance. It would require owners to register an unoccupied property within a certain window, maintain its exterior grounds and keep structures secure from trespassing and squatting.
The report notes that any changes to city code would need to be formally approved by the city council through the adoption of an ordinance, and would include a chance for public comment.
