The City of Monterey amended a resolution to prohibit camping on certain public property during Tuesday’s meeting
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The Monterey City Council is working to clarify the language in its proposed homeless ordinance in an effort to address concerns around penalties for homeless encampments. The revised proposal aims to create more effective regulations while ensuring public safety and support for the unhoused population.
During a recent city meeting, concerns were raised regarding potential safety challenges related to the ordinance. The amended resolution seeks to prohibit camping on public property, particularly on sidewalks near schools and in the vicinity of a local cemetery. Additionally, the updated ordinance would prevent encampments in high-to-very-high fire hazard zones, as designated by the city.
Assistant City Manager Nat Rojanasathira explained that these amendments were necessary to align with recent legal decisions, including a U.S. Supreme Court case from the previous year. This case clarified that municipalities have the authority to regulate camping, which directly influenced the language of the city’s proposal.
The new ordinance would also establish a graduated penalty system. If the ordinance is passed, individuals who violate the rules would be given a 30-day warning period before enforcement begins. After the warning, violations would be subject to fines that increase progressively over time. This approach aims to provide a fair and gradual transition into enforcement, while also respecting the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness.
The city has made it clear that the ordinance is not intended to penalize individuals experiencing homelessness without providing necessary support. Rojanasathira emphasized that Monterey is committed to working closely with law enforcement and local agencies to connect unhoused people with the resources they need.
“The Monterey Police Department is very proactive in reaching out to unhoused populations, trying to provide and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with services they can use,” said Rojanasathira.
In response to the ongoing discussions surrounding the ordinance, Mayor Tyler Williamson suggested that more community dialogue is needed before the second reading of the proposal. He recommended holding a town hall meeting to further engage with residents and ensure that all concerns are addressed before the final vote.
The next reading of the ordinance is scheduled for March 18, and if approved, the new regulations will take effect 30 days after the second reading.
As Monterey continues to balance the need for public safety with compassion for its unhoused population, the proposed changes to the homeless ordinance represent an important step in creating clearer guidelines and increasing resources for those in need.
