Sonora Reintroduces Homeless Camp Ordinance

Sonora, CA — This past July the Sonora City Council passed an urgency ordinance related to camping, notably in an effort to crackdown on homeless camps.

It was at the recommendation of the Police Chief, over concerns related to crime, and recent fires occurring in camps. The ordinance prohibited camping in areas of the City where public service is limited, and it expires at the end of this month. City Administrator Tim Miller says it was reintroduced this week to the City Council, and the first reading was approved.

Miller says the final reading will come at a meeting in January, and it would then take effect 30 days after. The ordinance has been controversial, and there has been criticism voiced at recent Council meetings. The reintroduced ordinance would have a sunset clause, and expire in November. Between now and then, a subcommittee will consider some possible amendments to the ordinance.

There is also an ad-hoc committee looking at the overall issue of homelessness in the city and county, and trying to find solutions to help the homeless population.