To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MICHAEL W. WEBB, CITY ATTORNEY JOY ABAQUIN, QUALITY OF LIFE PROSECUTOR
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DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION REGARDING MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES RECENTLY PASSED TO REGULATE CAMPING IN CERTAIN AREAS OF THEIR CITY.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 28, 2021, the Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance outlawing camping around parks, libraries and other facilities that went into effect on September 3, 2021. Los Angeles Council members promised that any enforcement would be accompanied by "street engagement teams," which includes social workers, mental health specialist and others who would offer shelter and services. The Los Angeles City Council approved a street engagement strategy on September 14, 2021.
On August 17, 2021 Councilmember Nehrenheim requested a discussion on Los Angeles City's anti-camping ordinance with respect to certain areas of the city. The City Attorney's Office does not recommend adopting such an ordinance.
BACKGROUND
On July 28, 2021, the Los Angeles City Council modified Section 41.18 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to prohibit sitting, sleeping, lying, storing personal property or otherwise obstructing the public right-of-way in several areas of the city. No person shall obstruct in a manner that impedes passage as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, within ten feet of any operational or utilizable driveway or loading dock, within five feet of any operational or utilizable building entrance or exit, within two feet of any fire hydrant, fire plug, or other fire department connection, in a manner that unreasonably interferes with any activity for which the city has issued, and anywhere within a street, including bike paths.
The law also prohibits encampments at specific designated areas once the council passes a resolution to designate a specified area for enforcement, posts signage and gives notice of the date that the ordinance will be enforc...
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