PUBLIC HEARING
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: October 21, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Eric Levitt, City Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Subject: Introduction of Ordinance No. MC-1677 Amending Chapter
12.98 of the City’s Municipal Code Related to Camping on Public Streets and Parks
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, introduce, Read by Title Only, and Waive Further Reading of Ordinance No. 1677 of the Mayor and City Council of San Bernardino, California, amending Chapter
12.98 of Title 12 of the City Municipal Code related to camping on public streets and parks, and obstruction of public right of ways, and scheduling the second reading and adoption for the November 4, 2026 regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council.
City Manager's Comments
City manager recommends approval.
Executive Summary
Following updated state directives, the City is now welcomed to strengthen regulations regarding camping on public property. Despite the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, the lingering impacts on public health, safety, and access to public spaces remain. These proposed amendments clarify camping regulations and procedures to help maintain safe and accessible public areas.
Background
The City has previously adopted ordinances to address, regulate, and enforce camping violations in various public spaces, including public parking lots and along public streets. However, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness within the City has increased significantly over the years, and as such the City’s approach must also evolve.
Discussion
The City has taken numerous steps towards addressing the homelessness issue within the area, including applying for various public housing grants, partnering with local agencies and nonprofits to provide shelter to those in need, and developing City-owned shelters to target vulnerable populations. Even with these efforts, significant risks to public health and safety, including increased fire hazards, obstruction of public access, and public health risks remain.
Given the recent legislative updates and the City’s continued commitment to addressing homelessness through a multifaceted approach, staff believes amending the current code to clarify camping abilities will help keep the City’s public areas safe, and available for public use by all residents, visitors, families, and children alike.
Strategic Goals and Priorities
Approval of Ordinance No. 1677 aligns with Goal No. 2b “developing and implementing a community engagement plan,” and Goal No. 3a, “reducing the burden of homelessness through engagement, collaboration, and alignment with other entities.” The Mayor and City Council’s approval of the City’s ordinance gives the public a focused, aligned plan to engage with the community while improving residents' quality of life.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact to the City.
OR
The fiscal impact to the City would amount to minor increases in staff costs for enforcement of the ordinance, including patrol, administrative, and storage fees.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, introduce, Read by Title Only, and Waive Further Reading of Ordinance No. 1677 of the Mayor and City Council of San Bernardino, California, amending Chapter
12.98 of Title 12 of the City Municipal Code related to camping on public streets and parks, and obstruction of public right of ways, and scheduling the second reading and adoption for the November 4, 2026 regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Ordinance No. MC- 1677
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
N/A