We’ve received questions recently about how the city is addressing illegal parking and people living in vehicles in public spaces in Carlsbad. Our Police and Housing & Homeless Services departments have been working together on a balanced approach to help people secure housing while continuing to hold people accountable and enforce city laws that prohibit illegal parking and camping in vehicles in public spaces.
The city is working hard and taking significant steps to address this issue through education, outreach and enforcement.
Here’s an update:
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On March 18, the City Council updated a city law to prohibit camping in vehicles in public spaces such as parks, beaches and city-owned property and parking lots. The law took effect 30 days later.
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Before enforcement began, our Homeless Outreach Team – consisting of six officers and one Sergeant who are out in the community seven days a week – conducted public outreach to individuals living in vehicles to inform them of the new laws and try to bridge them to available resources.
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With the education period complete, enforcement is now in effect. Individuals who refuse offers of shelter or services are now receiving warnings and citations.
New grant-funded outreach program
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In recent weeks, our Homeless Outreach Team Officers, Rangers and Community Service Officers have been conducting late night and early morning proactive enforcement details to address oversized vehicles, illegal camping and other illegal parking related violations. The effort is being conducted city wide.
A full update on the proactive parking enforcement efforts will be presented at the Sept. 30 City Council meeting.
