City to ease homeless camping rules

Federal court order forces council to revise laws challenged by suit

San Rafael's ordinance governing homeless campers could be relaxed under a proposed amendment aimed at complying with a federal court order.

The ordinance, which restricts where the camps are allowed and how much space they can occupy, has been the subject of a legal battle that started last summer.

A preliminary injunction set limitations on the reach of the city's ordinance, making it challenging for city officials to enforce the camping laws they say are for the health and public safety.

On Monday, the City Council will consider a proposal that erases the original requirement to space camping areas 200 feet apart, and instead enforce only a 10-foot buffer around each site.

The amendment would prohibit camping within 250 feet of schools, and it would permit campsites of up to 200 square feet for a single person and up to 400 square feet for up to four people living together.

“Over the last seven months, the City has worked to implement the direction of the Court in its Preliminary Injunction Order,” John Stefanski, assistant city manager, said in an email on Friday. “The learnings from these efforts have informed the ordinance revisions the City Council will consider on Monday.”

The amended regulation would also set time, place and manner restrictions, including a 10-foot setback from public utility infrastructure and private property.

“This new setback will serve as an important safety measure for all by ensuring adequate access and fire fuel breaks,” Stefanski said.

The City Council originally approved the ordinance in July as