Today, Friday, June 28th, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that will affect all cities and counties. In a 6-3 ruling, the Court reversed the 9th Circuit rulings in this and the Martin v. Boise cases, and held that enforcement of ordinances relating to public camping, storage of personal property and overnight camping in cars does not violate the Eighth Amendment protection against “Cruel and Unusual Punishment” whether or not alternative shelter is available. The Court recognized that homelessness is a complex problem and there may be a variety of solutions – or combinations of solutions. However, it deferred to local agencies to determine how best to regulate and enforce these issues, and gives local agencies the full toolbox of solutions to deal with them.
Moving forward, cities will be able to regulate and enforce their ordinances related to public camping, vehicle camping, and personal storage without the Martin v. Boise restrictions that were implemented back in 2018. All cities are affected by this legal ruling.
Consider whether your municipality needs to update its ordinances and processes. Not sure where to start? Civica Law’s team has extensive experience in code enforcement, including advisory assistance with ordinances, policies and procedures. We help cities and counties achieve and maintain compliance with all laws – especially their own.
