Tulare Passes New Rules on Public Encampments

The Tulare City Council has approved new regulations to deal with growing concerns over public encampments. The new ordinance, passed at the April 15 meeting, sets stricter limits on where individuals can camp on public property and gives city staff more authority to intervene when issues arise.

What Prompted the Change?

• Unhoused individuals using outdoor water sources to bathe

• Break-ins and vandalism at industrial properties

• Public health concerns around waste, fire hazards, and drug activity

What’s in the New Ordinance?

1. City Property Exclusion (Chapter 8.37)

• Who it applies to: Anyone who commits certain violations on city-owned property (e.g., harassment, vandalism, unauthorized camping)

• How it works: After repeated infractions, a person can be banned from specific sites—like the library, City Hall, or a park—for a set time

• Due process included: Offenders are entitled to a hearing to contest their exclusion

2. Encampments on Public Property (Chapter 8.38)

• Camping is prohibited on certain public lands at all times, regardless of whether shelter beds are available

• Why that matters: In many California cities, courts have blocked enforcement of anti-camping laws unless sufficient shelter is available. Tulare’s ordinance is designed to withstand legal challenges by targeting sensitive areas and public safety concerns.

Enforcement tiers:

• First violation: Written warning

• Second: Administrative citation

• Third: Exclusion order from public property

What Does This Mean for You?

• Expect more visible enforcement around parks, civic buildings, and known encampment areas.

• If you report a safety or sanitation issue on public property, City staff will now have more authority to respond—especially if the same individuals are involved repeatedly.

• If you're someone working with or advocating for the unhoused, this policy adds urgency to expanding outreach, services, and shelter capacity.

What Comes Next?

• Recruiting hourly staff to manage day-to-day operations at the encampment site

• Evaluating next steps on permanent shelter planning

• Considering additional investments in hygiene and mental health services

The ordinance takes effect May 4, 2025.