San Diego Camping Ban Set to Take Effect, but Details Remain Murky

The city plans to crack down on unhoused people camping on city property, but has yet to identify parks and school zones targeted for enforcement under the new ordinance.

1 minute read

July 17, 2023, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


The historic San Diego City and County Administration Building in Southern California.

. in Southern California. | trekandphoto / Adobe Stock

A San Diego ordinance “which bars camping in all public spaces when shelter is available – and in certain locations such as some yet-to-be specified parks and near schools even when it’s not – is officially set to take effect July 29.” But according to Lisa Halverstadt, writing in Voice of San Diego, “The city’s got a lot to do before it can start clearing homeless encampments.”

For one, the city must still identify which city parks will be covered by the ordinance and which school areas to prioritize, as well as provide notice to unhoused residents. According to Halverstadt, “That’s just a sample of the city’s to-do list, but there’s a whole lot more.”

Halverstadt explains, “The ordinance bars camping within two blocks of shelters and more than 850 of the city shelter beds that unhoused people vie for daily are now clustered in the East Village and Barrio Logan neighborhoods. Other services are concentrated there too, a dynamic that has for years spurred homeless people to settle in those areas.” Mayor Todd Gloria’s office has not issued a list of parks or schools that would be covered by the ordinance. According to one unsheltered resident, “police and outreach workers have yet to offer specifics that might help unsheltered residents plan their next moves.”

Friday, July 14, 2023 in Voice of San Diego

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog