At a meeting on December 10, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing regarding a new camping ordinance. This ordinance was introduced and found to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The ordinance, which is expected to be adopted on December 17, addresses the increase in camping on public lands and aligns with recent case law. Lassen County Planning and Building Services Director Maury Anderson mentioned that a recent Supreme Court ruling allows for the enforcement of anti-camping ordinances without violating the 8th Amendment. Violations of this ordinance could result in a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine and possible jail time.
The ordinance was supported by a 4-0 vote, with one supervisor absent. Lassen County Sheriff John McGarva expressed support, stating that it would help direct homeless individuals to necessary resources. However, resident Dante Callegari raised concerns about where displaced individuals would go if not allowed on public land, suggesting that private landowners might face issues.
The ordinance provides the County Administrative Officer (CAO) and the sheriff the authority to permit camping on public property if deemed necessary. Supervisor Gary Bridges highlighted existing programs to assist homeless individuals, while Supervisor Jason Ingram noted available county resources for those homeless or at risk. Supervisor Tom Neely asked about camping allowances at special events, to which Anderson responded that exceptions could be made by the CAO or sheriff.
Supervisor and Board Chair Aaron Albaugh supported the ordinance but noted the county’s limited ability to provide resources. Sheriff McGarva’s letter to the board explained that the ordinance aims to address inadequate regulations on county property, allowing for the removal of encampments under certain conditions. The ordinance’s purpose is to protect public property from damage and ensure it is available for its intended use by the public.
