The Newport Beach City Council voted unanimously June 27 to ban homeless encampments that block public access to such facilities as schools, daycare centers, and public restrooms, as well as “unpermitted structures”—such as those made of wood pallets or lean-tos—of any kind even if the city’s only shelter is full.
Tents, tarps, and sleeping bags—as long as they are not blocking access at such facilities—however, will be allowed on public property when no space is available at the shelter.
Additionally, the vote outlaws the use of public facilities for personal hygiene, such as bathing, washing clothing, or brushing teeth.
Because the city requires two hearings of all ordinances, the issue will again be discussed and voted on July 11.
The council additionally approved funding and adding five more beds to the existing shelter it shares with Costa Mesa, bringing the city’s total to 25 beds at the location.
“I think the common theme I’m hearing across the city is that we’ve all got compassion for these individuals that are going through a tough time and there certainly is no compassion in leaving these people in the streets,” Councilman Joe Stapleton said during the meeting.
Councilwoman Robyn Grant said the city’s actions are just the beginning of its efforts to address the issue.
“This is an important first step combined with the beds that we’re also bringing to the table here. It’s a lot but it’s not enough and we will continue to work hard on this,” she said.
According to the 2022 Orange County point-in-time count, Newport Beach’s homeless population was 96. The city also does its own count every month and has calculated a steady average of around 40 homeless in the city for the last year.
One resident who owns a commercial real estate business spoke in support of the changes, saying it was necessary to protect residents.
“This particular agenda item and ordinance has to do with giving the police tools to protect basic rights of residents and property owners,” he said.
Another resident and longtime business owner said the homeless issue in the city has gotten “substantially worse,” and encouraged the council’s efforts.
“In the last couple of years, picking up human feces has become a morning ritual for my employees … on our properties,” the business owner said.
He added that the same homeless people urinate on his business’s doorsteps daily on the Newport Beach Pier’s boardwalk, and a few years ago, a dead body was found underneath one of his outdoor restaurant’s dining tables.
“Dead bodies are popping up around town. It’s inhumane what we’re dealing with,” he said.
A parent from St. Mark Preschool—which is located in the St. Mark Presbyterian Church on San Joaquin Hills Road and Avocado Avenue—said the preschool has been experiencing the same issues and voiced support for the ordinance.
“Teachers have to clean up broken beer bottles and beer bottles full of urine and tell people not to use the hose or break toys,” she said.
Under the new rules, police will have discretion to detain, relocate, or remove and fine persons in violation.
Currently, the city pays $1 million annually for 20 beds at the bridge shelter. The additional five beds will cost an additional $275,000.
