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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL CAMP Standards V.31 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 January 2024 2 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 4 1.1 Statement of Intent ........................................................................................................... 4 1.2 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 4 2.0 ENCAMPMENT SAFETY ..................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Behavioral Issues ............................................................................................................. 5 2.2 Mental Health ................................................................................................................... 5 3.0 COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................................ 6 3.1 Internal Communications .................................................................................................. 6 Email Distribution Lists ........................................................................................................ 6 3.2 PUBLIC INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 7 Public Inquiries ................................................................................................................... 7 Media Inquiries ................................................................................................................... 7 4.0 SITE ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................ 8 4.1 Determine Jurisdiction ...................................................................................................... 8 Encampments on Public and Private Property .................................................................... 8 4.2 Determine Status .............................................................................................................. 8 Abandoned Encampments .................................................................................................. 8 Inhabited Encampments ..................................................................................................... 9 5.0 LEVEL 1: IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED ......................................................................10 5.1 Identification ....................................................................................................................10 Imminent Risk ....................................................................................................................10 Hazardous Conditions ........................................................................................................10 Publicly Restricted Spaces .................................................................................................10 5.2 Enforcement Key Components ........................................................................................10 Approval(s) ........................................................................................................................10 Documentation ...................................................................................................................11 Outreach ............................................................................................................................11 Implementation ..................................................................................................................11 6.0 LEVEL 2: ADVANCE ACTION REQUIRED .........................................................................12 6.1 Identification ....................................................................................................................12 Safety & Sanitation ............................................................................................................12 Time Restricted Open Spaces ...........................................................................................12 Scheduled Project Site .......................................................................................................12 3 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 6.2 Enforcement Key Components ........................................................................................12 Approval(s) ........................................................................................................................12 Documentation ...................................................................................................................12 Outreach ............................................................................................................................13 Implementation ..................................................................................................................13 7.0 LEVEL 3: MITIGATION REQUIRED....................................................................................14 7.1 Identification ....................................................................................................................14 Escalation to Level 2 ..........................................................................................................14 7.2 Enforcement Key Components ........................................................................................14 Approval(s) ........................................................................................................................14 Documentation ...................................................................................................................14 Outreach ............................................................................................................................15 Implementation ..................................................................................................................15 7.3 Communication................................................................................................................15 Notice of Level 3 Escalation ...............................................................................................15 Addendum A: Jurisdiction Table (front) .....................................................................................16 Addendum A: Jurisdiction Table (back) .....................................................................................17 4 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 The purpose of the Compassionate Assistance, Mitigation, and Prevention (“CAMP”) Standards is to connect unsheltered individuals with shelter/housing solutions and critical services, coordinate cleaning of trash, hazardous items and debris from encampment sites, prevent health and safety emergencies at encampments, and restore and maintain the City’s public spaces in a safe and accessible manner for all community members. The following CAMP Standards apply to public property and unpermitted camps occurring on public property and are a sensitive social and legal issue. The City does not regard the CAMP Standards as a solution to homelessness; however, the standards provide a framework that City staff can utilize in the field to help reduce negative impacts to all community members. City staff are expected to exercise reasonable care and discretion when making decisions related to CAMP Standard implementation. It is the City’s responsibility to maintain environmental and regulatory compliance, as well as address community health, safety, and welfare concerns in accordance with the law. To uphold this responsibility, the City has established the CAMP Standards. The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to working with nonprofit services providers and County experts on homelessness and to connecting individuals residing in the City’s outdoor/public spaces with services, resources, and shelter. The City’s approach to implementing CAMP Standards focuses on: 1. Assessment & Support: City staff apply CAMP Standards and discretion based on the unique circumstances of each encampment site, and coordinate with City Outreach Resources (Community Action Team (CAT) and Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU)) in order to connect inhabitants with services that are relevant to their specific needs. City staff that are not trained in social services support including Police Officers, Ranger Service, and Public Works staff, refer unhoused individuals to 40 Prado Homeless Services Center (40 Prado) for emergency shelter. 40 Prado, in turn, is able to make referrals to other continuum of care partners and social services programs available within SLO County as appropriate. In instances where 40 Prado reaches full bed capacity, their case managers work closely with interested individuals to identify appropriate alternatives such as placement in other local shelters, family reunification, or being hosted by a friend. 2. Agency & Opportunity: Throughout the City’s work, it recognizes the importance of reinforcing an individual’s agency by providing a choice between opportunities, whenever possible. 3. Accountability: In order to track and appropriately report on the efforts connected to homelessness across City of San Luis Obispo divisions, all work performed on this effort should be recorded using the Survey 123 app. 5 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 Where City staff observes anyone engaging in unlawful activity, law enforcement or Ranger Service should be contacted to investigate. Homeless persons may not be penalized simply for being homeless. However, where their actions are unlawful, the City should enforce applicable regulations (e.g., consumption of alcohol, possession of drugs, starting fires, littering, etc.). Note: Where open flames are observed, staff must ensure that flames are immediately and fully extinguished, issue citation (MC§15.04.090 (I)), and follow guidance as outlined in this document and department standard operating procedures. The potential for mental and emotional illness and impairment are well documented in the unhoused/unsheltered community. According to the American Psychological Association, people without homes have higher rates of hospitalization for mental illness and substance abuse than other populations. Rates of mental illness among people who are homeless in the United States are twice the rate found for the general population. All members of City staff are to exercise reasonable care when working or interacting with individuals who display objective signs of mental or emotional illness. Where City staff observes individuals experiencing homelessness exhibiting signs of mental and emotional illness and/or impairment, staff should contact the Community Action Team (CAT) or the Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) to conduct an on-site assessment and refer to mental health services as appropriate. The CAT or MCU may arrange for transportation to mental health services facilities as requested. If CAT or MCU is not available and the situation presents a safety concern, staff should call dispatch (assess whether emergency or non-emergency is appropriate). 6 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 Adhering to CAMP Standards requires coordination across multiple City, and sometimes County/State Departments. Additionally, enforcement of CAMP Standards may be viewed as controversial due to the general vulnerabilities of inhabitants who are experiencing homelessness. For these reasons, City staff engagement with CAMP Standards requires clear, accurate, and consistent communication. The following guidelines are intended to provide City staff with clarity about chains of communication and points of contact that ensure accurate and consistent information sharing. Engagement with encampments occurs across multiple City departments on a daily basis. In order to streamline communications related to upholding CAMP Standards, the City has developed an internal communications structure that relies on three key groups: 1) Field Operations, 2) Technical Specialists, and the 3) Steering Committee. When sending emails regarding CAMP Standards, please use the following distribution lists in outlook – this ensures everyone is kept in the loop without the need to enter each person’s email address. Includes: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Community Development Division Director, Housing Policy & Programs Manager, Homelessness Response Manager, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Parks & Recreation Director, Public Works Director, as well as the Communications Manager for awareness. 7 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 Includes: Homelessness Response Manager, Communications Manager, Rangers assigned to Homelessness Response, Public Works Deputy Director, Assistant/Deputy City Attorney, Police Lieutenant (Day Watch), Deputy Fire Chief, Public Works Maintenance Contract Coordinator, CAT Social Worker(s), CAT Police Officer(s), MCU Social Worker(s), MCU Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic(s), City Biologist, and Code Enforcement Supervisor. Preventing and addressing homelessness requires a whole of community response and it is important to keep community members (whether vulnerable to, currently experiencing, or concerned about homelessness) informed with relevant, timely, and accurate information. For this reason, the City has a Communications Plan to increase public engagement. However, City staff are commonly asked to respond to public and media inquiries directly. Given the sensitivity of this topic, staff are advised to direct inquiries as follows: Field Operations Staff (Police Officers, Rangers, Parks Maintenance Workers) may receive inquiries from the public about the City’s response to homelessness in the course of their daily duties. In these instances, staff are encouraged to refer inquiries (especially those pertaining to policy) to the Homelessness Response Manager. For general inquiries, please refer to the Public Inquiry Response Templates: Homelessness document and use as appropriate. If staff has questions about how to respond to such inquiry, please contact the City’s Communications Manager. In the past few years, changes in the law and availability of services in our region have evolved. It can be difficult for staff to stay current on these changes in real time. As such, City staff should direct media requests on topics related to homelessness to the Communications Manager and/or Homelessness Response Manager. 8 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 Who maintains the site? Maintaining public land is a responsibility that falls under several different entities in this region including City, County, and State organizations. For City owned and managed property and while implementing these CAMP Standards, it is important to both identify and notify the appropriate department(s) to respond. This both reduces potential for duplication of effort and simplifies communication with encampment inhabitants. Please refer to Addendum A for a table that outlines jurisdictions by land, department, and point of contact. Where there is an encampment on both public and private property, it is important to coordinate with Code Enforcement to ensure the private property owner is made aware of potential Municipal Code violations resulting from maintenance of an encampment on private property as well opportunities to collaborate on meeting CAMP Standards while remedying those potential Code violations. As such, the City Department that has jurisdiction over the affected public property should fill in the green highlighted section of the Notice to Correct Code Violation(s)/Notice Of Violation and send it as an attachment to the Notice of Multiple Jurisdiction Encampment email (see template below). TO: code@slocity.org SUBJECT: Urgent: Multiple Jurisdiction Encampment BODY: The [Department] has identified an encampment at [location] [GIS parcel # if known]. Please find the Notice to Correct/Notice of Violation with completed [Department] section attached. Code Enforcement will conduct a site visit to confirm the violation and, if confirmed, the completed Notice to Correct Code Violation(s)/Notice of Violation will be issued to the property owner. Is it abandoned or inhabited? Given that individuals often leave encampment sites during the day, it can be difficult for City staff to determine whether a site is currently inhabited or abandoned. The definitions below provide a general guideline to help staff in making this determination. When determining if property is abandoned, staff should evaluate the facts and circumstances surrounding the items. Items are considered abandoned if accompanied by objective indications of lack of ownership and ongoing use, for example: 9 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 • Cardboard is laid down without any sleeping implements on top. • Items are strewn about and mixed with trash (empty bottles, used food containers, etc.). • Items are covered by natural surrounding debris (leaves, dirt, etc.). • Where Notice of Law Violation and Order to Remove Property has been provided to remove belongings and no contact has been made by the individual(s) indicating desire for City to temporarily store personal property and such property is left at site by posted deadline with no indication individual will be back to retrieve it. Refer to the City’s Temporary Storage Guidelines when clearing items from the abandoned site. Staff should evaluate the facts and circumstances surrounding the items to first determine whether the site is inhabited. Attended Encampment inhabitants are present on site, items are considered attended. Unattended Encampment inhabitants are not present on site, but items are accompanied by objective signs of ownership and ongoing use, they are considered unattended (but not abandoned) – for example: • Sleeping implements are visible (sleeping bag, tent, blankets/pillows). • Items are stored in an orderly manner (i.e., packed up, folded, wrapped, or covered). • Items appear clean of natural surrounding debris (leaves, dirt, etc.). • Effort has been made to secure items (tied to post, bundled together, etc.). • Owner has indicated they will return for the property. • A third-party is present/nearby indicates that the owner will return for the property. Determine what level the site should be identified as and follow corresponding enforcement and communications guidelines. Level 1: Immediate Action Required The encampment poses an imminent risk to public health, safety, or security, and immediate action is required. Level 2: Advance Action Required The encampment poses a significant, though not imminent, hazard to public health, safety, or security that cannot be mitigated through procedures outlined under Level 3. Level 3: Mitigation Required This encampment does not pose an urgent safety concern but should be continuously monitored and will require mitigation such as trash collection to improve sanitation. 10 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 The encampment poses an imminent risk to public health, safety, or security, and immediate action is required. Imminent risk may be due to proximity to critical facilities or hazardous conditions that threaten the safety of those immediately inhabiting the space or the surrounding area. If resources do not allow for immediate action best practice is for staff to post a level 1 notice to inform inhabitants of the need to clear items and leave the site. Common examples of “Level 1” scenarios include, but are not limited to: • Encampments that physically block or encroach into traffic, bike, pedestrian pathways, rail carrier property/right of way, culverts, or fire lanes • Within 30 feet of the right of way with no protective barrier, or where there is a blind spot • On or within 100 ft of an active public construction site • Encampments that are located under a bridge or within a 30 ft distance of any part of a bridge structure • Within 30 ft of an above ground high-pressure gas line • Within 30 ft of a high voltage structure/facility, or other hazardous facility • Within 30 ft of a water reservoir or water treatment facility • Flood Warning – As designated by the Public Works Director • High Fire Danger– As designated by the Fire Chief • Encampments that are located in an area that is closed to the public at all times or that are closed at certain times, and notices of such closure are properly posted at entry points, including but not limited to: o City Parks during nighttime closures o City Parks and other areas that are closed to the public for maintenance or restoration o City Open Spaces, including Bianchi, Filipponi, Prefumo Creek, Mathews Open Spaces, and fenced areas of Bob Jones Trail Each department’s standard operating procedures may vary but must contain these components: Secure approval from point of contact responsible for this jurisdiction (see addendum A) 11 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 Log site into Survey 123 app as Level 1 upon first observation. • Absent extenuating circumstances, responsible City staff should: o Perform and document verbal outreach with each inhabitant present on site. ▪ Offer individual(s) opportunity to access emergency shelter and other services through a referral to 40 Prado. If individual(s) accept, document referral through Survey 123 app per GIS Data Collection Guidelines and, as time and circumstances allow, advise and/or assist individuals to fill out the 40 Prado online intake form. ▪ As time or circumstance allows (should not impede immediate action): Coordinate with City Outreach (CAT/MCU) to conduct site visit. • If resources do not allow for immediate action, best practice is for staff to post a level 1 notice to inform inhabitants of the need to immediately clear items and leave the site. • Inform inhabitants of need and reason for immediate clean out. • Document encampment information in Survey123 app, in accordance with CAMP Standards, including photographing the contents of encampment prior to removal. • Follow the City’s Temporary Storage Guidelines. 12 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 The encampment poses a significant, though not immediate, hazard to public health, safety, or security that cannot be mitigated through procedures outlined under Level 3. Requires 72-hour notice to implement CAMP Standards in coordination with CAT and/or MCU and absent extenuating circumstances, shall only be implemented when alternative shelter is available to those individuals in the encampment who are interested in seeking services (e.g., family reunification, CalWorks Housing Support, 40 Prado Homeless Services Center, ECHO, 5Cities Homeless Coalition, THMA, etc.). Common examples of “Level 2” scenarios include, but are not limited to: • Encampments adjacent to public roadways or any other areas where an errant vehicle could enter the encampment. • Encampments with excessive trash and debris creating potential risks to human life, safety, and the environment. This may include: o Accumulation of needles, drug paraphernalia, propane tanks or other fuels, feces, or other biohazards, especially when located in water ways, storm channels, or in travel lanes, including the path of bicycles or pedestrians. o An increase in the presence of rodents, animals, or insect infestations. • Encampments where previous mitigation attempts have failed (per Level 3 protocol), and individual(s) have refused to cooperate with timely removal of large or dangerous items. • Nothing herein shall preclude the immediate cleanup or removal of hazardous or dangerous materials as necessary to preserve public safety during the notice period (e.g., needles, chemicals, combustible materials, etc). Encampments that are located in an area that has posted hours for public use. City staff or contractors need to perform routine maintenance, inspection, or other work at or near the encampment location which, if deferred, could affect service life or function of the facility. Each department’s standard operating procedures may vary but must contain these components: Secure approval from point of contact responsible for this jurisdiction (see addendum A). • Log site into Survey 123 app as Level 2 in real time. • Prepare and Post Level 2 Notice of Law Violation and Order to Remove Property. • Schedule City Outreach (CAT/MCU) for site visit to: 13 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 o Make offers to connect to services as appropriate for each individual present on site. o Log types of services and to whom they were referred in Survey 123 app. • Perform and document verbal outreach with each inhabitant present on site. o Offer individual(s) opportunity to access emergency shelter and other services through a referral to 40 Prado Homeless Services Center. o Document referral in Survey 123 app, per GIS Data Collection Guidelines. o If accepted, advise and/or assist the individual to initiate referral process via 40 Prado online intake form (form can also be filled out in person if transport is requested) ▪ If individual accepts the opportunity to access shelter but no shelter is available, staff should advise inhabitant that they will still be required to temporarily relocate to Public Property not currently subject to clean-out during the clean-out period to allow staff and/or contractors to clean the area and coordinate access to shelter or alternative accommodations through 40 Prado or other appropriate housing or shelter provider Follow the City’s Temporary Storage Guidelines. • If the owner is cooperative but unable to collect and move their property, staff may exercise discretion through the following: o Collect and store personal items in accordance with the Temporary Storage Guidelines. o Grant additional time to collect and move property taking into account any special needs expressed to City staff by individuals present, and the volume of property over which an individual asserts ownership. • If the owner is uncooperative and unwilling to collect and move their property, staff are advised to: o Call the Police Department for enforcement assistance. ▪ The owner’s refusal to remove items may be considered disorderly conduct and presence on the property may be considered trespass or violation of otherwise applicable provisions of the City’s Municipal Code subject to enforcement. ▪ Throughout this process the individual remains free to leave with or without removing their items from the property unless otherwise arrested or detained. o Collect and store any remaining personal items in accordance with the Temporary Storage Guidelines. 14 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 This encampment does not pose an urgent safety concern but should be continuously monitored and will require mitigation such as trash collection to improve sanitation. During periods when local emergency shelters are closed to new intake, Level 2 Advanced Action automatically default to Level 3 Mitigation Required. Level 3 Mitigation Required may be implemented at the discretion of city staff as they encounter encampments that do not meet the standard of a Level 1 or 2. Common examples of “Level 3” scenarios include, but are not limited to, sites where encampment inhabitants are making a diligent effort to: • Obtain access to services including ID procurement, shelter accommodation, and case management. • Maintain a clean encampment site through o Attempts to contain/organize items. o Trash collection or demonstrated cooperation with collecting/disposing of trash when provided with resources (trash bags and information on closest disposal location). • A Level 3 encampment may escalate to a Level 2 under two circumstances: o There are large or numerous encampments located in the same vicinity. ▪ This poses significant safety and sanitation concerns as densely populated encampment sites result in higher fire risk, and present issues related to human waste/refuse, and/or o City Outreach (CAT/MCU) has conducted multiple site visits to offer services and engage in mitigation efforts, where encampment inhabitants refused to cooperate. • If escalation is necessary during a period when shelters are closed to new intake , Department Director that has jurisdiction per Addendum A, must send a Notice of Level 3 Escalation (templated below). Each department’s standard operating procedures may vary but must contain these components: None required. Level 3 Mitigation Action can be implemented immediately per City staff discretion. • Log Site in Survey 123 app in real time. • Send Notice of Level 3 Escalation if/when escalation to Level 2 occurs while shelters are closed to new intake. 15 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 • Perform and document verbal outreach with each inhabitant present on site. o Offer individual(s) opportunity to access emergency shelter and other services through a referral to 40 Prado Homeless Services Center. o If individual(s) accept, make referral via Survey 123 app per GIS Data Collection Guidelines. • Schedule City Outreach Team (CAT/MCU) for site visit to: o Offer to connect to services as appropriate for each individual present on site. o Log types of services referred in Survey 123 app. • Monitor closely and repeat assessments as needed. Allow encampments to remain for the time being while City Outreach Team (CAT/MCU) works on relocation solutions. • Advise encampment inhabitants on items to keep/store/remove per City’s Temporary Storage Guidelines. • Provide trash bags and instruct individual(s) on where trash should be placed for proper disposal (i.e., nearby dumpster, or location where collection will be scheduled). • If individual(s) refuse to remove items after being given adequate time to collect and move property considering any special needs expressed to City staff by individuals present, and the volume of property over which an individual asserts ownership. o Cite for remaining items as appropriate: ▪ PC§374.4 (a) and/or ▪ Creeks: MC§12.23.030(h) ▪ Open Space: MC§12.22.050 (L) ▪ Parks: MC§12.04.020 To be sent by either Public Works or Parks and Recreation Department Director if/when shelter services are closed to new intake and a Level 3 encampment meets the standard of escalation to a Level 2. TO: SC_Homelessness; TS_Homelessness SUBJECT: Level 3 Escalation [location] BODY: Since [date] [Department] staff identified [#] encampment[s] located at [location] and worked with inhabitants per Level 3 Abatement CAMP Standards. However, [increased occupancy of the site] AND/OR [repeated failed mitigation attempts] have/has caused an escalation to Level 2 Standard Action. Plan for Level 2 Escalation: • Where will inhabitants be permitted to stay during clean out? • Where will inhabitants be permitted to stay after cleanout? (i.e. return to site , temporarily permitted to stay at different location, etc.) 16 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 PUBLIC PROPERTY Department Location Point of Contact City of SLO Public Works City owned parks, bridges, streets, sidewalks, culverts, and storm drains. Maintenance Contract Coordinator or any designee of the Public Works Deputy Director City of SLO Public Works Areas adjacent to the railroad tracks based on the current agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Maintenance Contract Coordinator or any designee of the Public Works Deputy Director City of SLO Parks and Recreation City owned open spaces (which includes portions of the San Luis Obispo riparian corridor). Ranger Supervisor or any designee of the Parks and Recreation Director Caltrans (not City of SLO jurisdiction) Highways, on/off ramps, and State right-of-way (ex: Prado Triangle). Caltrans Use one of the following to notify Caltrans of encampment on Caltrans property: • Call the District 5 dedicated line at (805) 441-5712 • Fill out a customer service request online at https://csr.dot.ca.gov/ • Download the mobile app “CT Service” to make a report from your phone. PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHIN CITY LIMITS Department Location Point of Contact Police Inhabited encampment on private property without permission of the property owner. Trespass (P.C. 602) Internal Contact: SLOPD Watch Commander (805) 781-7312 External Contact: 911 or Non-Emergency Dispatch Community Development Inhabited and/or uninhabited encampment on private property that is not in compliance with City Municipal Code. Includes instances of private property owner permitting on-site camping. Code Enforcement Supervisor 17 Last Updated: 1/1/24 CAMP Standards V.3 MULTIPLE JURISDICTIONS It is the responsibility of the Contacts listed for each Department to coordinate with each other when addressing encampments that are located across multiple parcels that are subject to multiple jurisdictions. Departments Location Point of Contact Parks & Recreation AND Public Works Bike paths/bridges within or immediately next to City owned open space Ex: Prado Bridge/bike path and BJBT Ranger Supervisor or any designee of the Parks and Recreation Director AND Maintenance Contract Coordinator or any designee of the Public Works Deputy Director Parks & Recreation AND Community Development City Owned Open Space AND Private Property EX: LOVR/Strawberry Fields Ranger Supervisor or any designee of the Parks and Recreation Director AND Code Enforcement Supervisor Public Works AND Community Development City owned parks, bridges, streets, sidewalks, culverts, and storm drains. AND Private Property Ex: Santa Rosa Park & Commercial Property Maintenance Contract Coordinator or any designee of the Public Works Deputy Director AND Code Enforcement Supervisor