Newport City Council Looks To Prohibit Camping In Public Spaces

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A Newport Beach citywide ordinance could soon end people sitting, sleeping, or storing property in places that block businesses, schools, and other facilities, the City of Newport Beach says. City clean-up crews have already removed many encampments, but the council members have said they want to keep the city "hygienic and clean" for everyone.

Officials are seeking to prohibit tent encampments in public areas in a decision expected to be approved at Tuesday's city council session.

The Tuesday session would be the second vote, and if passed, the ordinance would go into effect within 30 days.

Ordinance No. 2023-11 states detailed descriptions of what is and is not allowed when it comes to camping. Among other items, the ordinance blocks camping anywhere within 500 feet of daycare facilities, preschools, K-12 public and private schools, colleges, and other learning centers. It also specifically mentions a Cancer treatment center and any public right of way. It also blocks camping within ten feet of fire hydrants, plugs, public restrooms, and any recognizable entrance to retail stores, restaurants, or office buildings. It prohibits fire in public spaces or sleeping in public restrooms.

The city will continue to offer resources to those unhoused people in need of assistance, according to the council's ad-hoc committee. The city also runs Good Giving, a way to donate without supporting panhandling, and other groups that serve those in need of housing.

After the last council meeting, resident Jim Mosher shared his thoughts, saying:

"I take issue with the frequently-repeated statement that although the City wishes to be compassionate, 'There is no compassion in leaving people on the street,'" he wrote in a statement. "I believe that is true when people have made bad choices. But I also believe there may be people who want nothing more than to be left alone. For those, an intervention, however well-meaning or even life-saving, may not be compassion in their eyes."

Newport Beach will join other Orange County metropolitan areas in passing no camping ordinances if the new ordinance passes.