The Grover Beach City Council has taken decisive action to address the issue of homeless camping on public property. On October 30, 2023, the council voted to reduce the warning period for individuals camping on public land from 72 hours to 48 hours. This change aims to streamline the process for the city to manage homeless encampments while balancing the needs of the community.
Under the new policy, individuals found camping on public property for more than 24 hours will receive a warning to vacate their belongings within 48 hours. If they fail to comply, city staff will remove the property, distinguishing between trash and personal belongings. The city will temporarily store personal items for pickup while disposing of any trash left behind.
The council emphasized that in cases where there is probable cause to believe illegal activities are occurring, city officials can remove a campsite without the full 48-hour notice. Additionally, in emergencies that pose a threat to human safety, the city recommends relocating campsites rather than removing them entirely.
This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Grover Beach City Council to manage homelessness in the region. The council plans to monitor the implementation of this policy closely to assess its effectiveness.
As local authorities navigate the complexities of homelessness, the council’s decision reflects a commitment to finding practical solutions that serve both the homeless population and the broader community.
