Settlement Will Remain in Place Through January 2027
Chico, Butte County, California – A federal judge has ruled the City of Chico must continue following the terms of the Warren v. Chico Settlement Agreement, which limits how the city can enforce anti-camping laws.
Chico, Butte County, California – A federal judge has ruled the City of Chico must continue following the terms of the Warren v. Chico Settlement Agreement, which limits how the city can enforce anti-camping laws.
The agreement will stay in effect until January 14, 2027, as originally agreed upon.
Chico officials had asked the court to end the agreement early, arguing recent legal developments gave them the right to resume full enforcement.
City Cited Supreme Court Ruling in Grants Pass
The city based its request on a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing Grants Pass, Oregon, to enforce anti-camping laws even when no shelter beds are available.
The city based its request on a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing Grants Pass, Oregon, to enforce anti-camping laws even when no shelter beds are available.
Chico claimed this ruling overturned the legal foundation of the local settlement and justified lifting the restrictions.
Judge: Chico Agreed to the Terms Voluntarily
Judge Dale A. Drozd rejected the city’s request, pointing out Chico voluntarily entered into the five-year agreement in 2022.
Judge Dale A. Drozd rejected the city’s request, pointing out Chico voluntarily entered into the five-year agreement in 2022.
He said a change in case law does not cancel obligations the city knowingly accepted.
The court emphasized Chico had the opportunity to include an early-exit clause but did not do so.
Legal Background of the Settlement
The Warren v. Chico lawsuit was filed by homeless individuals who said their rights were violated when the city enforced anti-camping laws without offering adequate shelter.
The Warren v. Chico lawsuit was filed by homeless individuals who said their rights were violated when the city enforced anti-camping laws without offering adequate shelter.
As part of the court-approved settlement, Chico was legally required to build and maintain a designated shelter site — now known as Genesis Shelter — and to follow specific procedures before clearing encampments.
This included offering available shelter space and providing proper notice in accordance with the agreement.
Court Rejected Claims of Changed Circumstances
Chico argued conditions had changed — pointing to trash buildup, fire danger, crime, and public health issues near encampments.
Chico argued conditions had changed — pointing to trash buildup, fire danger, crime, and public health issues near encampments.
The judge found these issues were already known when the settlement was signed and did not justify ending it early.
He also noted the city had not shown the agreement was unworkable or it had fully complied with all terms.
Settlement Continues to Limit Enforcement Options
Until 2027, Chico remains bound by the terms of the settlement.
Until 2027, Chico remains bound by the terms of the settlement.
This means enforcement of anti-camping ordinances is still restricted, and specific procedures must be followed before camps can be cleared.
The ruling is a major setback for city officials who hoped to change course and take stronger action in response to growing public complaints.
WHAC-A-MOLE: WHY THIS REMAINS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR CHICO
The widespread presence of unsheltered individuals across Chico continues to raise serious concerns among residents.
The widespread presence of unsheltered individuals across Chico continues to raise serious concerns among residents.
Encampments have overtaken parks, greenbelts, sidewalks, and other public spaces throughout the city.
Parents report they no longer feel safe bringing their children to some parks due to the presence of needles, human waste, and erratic behavior.
Used syringes are frequently found on the ground, including in areas once used for sports, picnics, and play.
Some unhoused individuals keep aggressive dogs off-leash, causing fear and safety issues for pedestrians and families with pets.
City crews often issue proper notices and offer available shelter space, but when offers are declined — or when someone is ineligible due to past shelter violations — they simply move to another location.
This cycle has been compared by frustrated residents to a game of playing WAC-A-MOLE at Chuck E. Cheese: as soon as one site is cleared, another pops up.
The mess left behind — including trash, broken furniture, clothing, food waste, and burned brush — creates not only a public nuisance but ongoing strain on city resources.
With enforcement options limited under the court settlement, many residents feel the city is unable to respond effectively.
About Genesis Shelter
Genesis Shelter, formerly known as the Chico Pallet Shelter, is a non-congregate emergency housing site located in southeast Chico.
Genesis Shelter, formerly known as the Chico Pallet Shelter, is a non-congregate emergency housing site located in southeast Chico.
It includes 177 individual pallet shelters, each measuring 64 square feet and equipped with two fold-up beds, heating and air conditioning, power outlets, and interior lighting.
While shelters can house up to two people, most are used for single occupancy.
Genesis operates with a low-barrier approach, meaning individuals are accepted even if they have addiction issues or other challenges.
Residents must agree to a code of conduct focused on safety, cleanliness, and respect.
The site is managed by the Jesus Center, a local non-profit organization operating under contract with the City of Chico.
The name change from “Pallet Shelter” to “Genesis” was suggested by the Jesus Center.
Executive Director Amber Abney-Bass oversees shelter operations.
In addition to housing, the Jesus Center provides meals, showers, and laundry services to residents.
Chico Current shelter availability (as of April 1, 2025)
The following beds and units were reported available on Tuesday:
The following beds and units were reported available on Tuesday:
Jesus Center, 2255 Fair Street:
• Women’s shelter – 1 bed
• Men’s shelter – 1 bed
• Women’s shelter – 1 bed
• Men’s shelter – 1 bed
Jesus Center Renewal Center North, 2218 Fair Street:
• Family rooms – 0 available
• Family rooms – 0 available
Jesus Center Renewal Center South, 2218 Fair Street:
• Seniors – 1 bed
• Seniors – 1 bed
Torres Shelter, 101 Silver Dollar Way:
• General beds – 20 available
• General beds – 20 available
Genesis (formerly Pallet Shelter), 2280 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway:
• 177 individual cabins total
• 19 currently available
• 177 individual cabins total
• 19 currently available
For assistance, contact Outreach and Engagement at (530) 897-5890.
