On Sept. 17, National City Council unanimously approved its homeless encampment ban at its second reading and adoption of the ordinance. This comes after the first reading at its Sept. 3 Council meeting.
The ordinance prevents people from camping on city streets from 5:30-9:30 p.m. when shelter beds are available, and regardless of available beds the ordinance also bans encampments within two blocks of schools, within any transit hub, on trolly platforms, trolly tracks and waterways, according to the City’s staff report. The San Diego Rescue Mission is the only homeless shelter serving National City, with a current capacity of 77 individuals. It is a 30-day shelter with 162 beds that assists families with children and adults.
This ordinance will take effect 30 days from its date of passage.