AGENDA TITLE:
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Set a Public Hearing for October 2, 2024 to Consider an Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 8.04 “Outdoor and Tent Assemblies,” Chapter 9.08 Article II “Trespassing And Loitering,” Section 12.04.010 “Definitions Section 12.04.060 “Required,” Section 12.12.010 “Definitions,” Section 12.12.050 “Entering Closed Areas,” Section 12.12.170 “Structures,” Section 12.12.255 “Lodi Lake Nature Area-Prohibited Activities,” Section 12.12.420 “Skate Park Regulations,” Section 12.12.430 “Violations,” and Chapter 15.52 Camp Cars and Trailer Camps to Regulate Unauthorized Camping in the City (CD)
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MEETING DATE:
September 18, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Cynthia Marsh, Deputy Director / City Planner
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Set a public hearing for October 2, 2024 to consider an ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapters 8.04 “Outdoor and Tent Assemblies,” Chapter 9.08 Article II “Trespassing And Loitering,” Section 12.04.010 Definitions, Section 12.04.060 “Required,” Section 12.12.010 “Definitions,” Section 12.12.050 “Entering Closed Areas,” Section 12.12.170 “Structures,” Section 12.12.255 “Lodi Lake Nature Area-Prohibited Activities,” Section 12.12.420 “Skate Park Regulations,” Section 12.12.430 “Violations,” and Chapter 15.52 “Camp Cars and Trailer Camps” to regulate camping in the City and other minor updates.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass vs. Johnson, on July 25, 2024, and Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-1-24, which directed state agencies to take action “with urgency” to remove homeless encampments from public spaces, “prioritizing those encampments that most threaten the life, health, and safety of those in and around them,” encouraged local agencies to revisit regulations and procedures to address encampments.
There are an increased number of individuals experiencing homelessness within the City. The Point in Time (PIT) Count is a biannual survey of homeless people that takes place in January. In 2024, the PIT Count for Lodi was held on January 29th. Volunteers went to areas where homeless people congregate to conduct a head count and ask questions. The information collected was reported to Continuum of Care (CoC). The recent PIT count found 262 unsheltered individuals and 152 sheltered, for a total of 416 homeless individuals in the City of Lodi. The count of individuals experiencing homelessness was above the prior PIT count. Based on this data the city has the second highest count of homeless individuals among San Joaquin County’s seven incorporated cities.
The growth of encampments in Lodi reflects the increase in unsheltered individuals. Due to the health and safety concerns caused by an increase in homelessness, and in light of the expansion of tools enabled through the Grants Pass decision and the Governor’s Executive Order, it is recommended that the City amend ordinances related to camping to ensure the safety and well-being of the the community. The proposed ordinance would exercise the City’s authority to prohibit camping on public property and regulate camping on private property to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
STRATEGIC VISION:
7H. Public Safety: Address strategic safety problem areas in the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.
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John Della Monica
Community Development Director
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Scott R. Carney
City Manager