HomeMy WebLinkAboutCamping on Private Property - Unauthorized Parking PresentationUnauthorized CampingCity Council Work SessionSeptember 17, 2019
Camping Complaints•Public health nuisances•Humanwaste• Wastewater and garbage• Harborage of rodents and other disease-carrying pests• Littering• Depositing Filth on Public and Private Property• Discharge of Liquid Waste• Storage of Discarded, Used and Broken Items•Diminution of property values•Fire hazards to nearby structures andproperties•Concealment of criminal activity2
The Problem• Individuals trespassing to camp on private property• Notice is required to remove individuals • Police are unable to locate private property owners to determine whether the camping is authorized; or• The owner is absent or unwilling to give notice that camping is unauthorized3
The HOPE UnitHomeless Outreach Programs & Enforcement4• August 2019 – Fort Worth PD launches the HOPE Unit• Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal, NPO, Homeless Liaison• Two patrol officers to respond to all patrol calls for service during hours of operation• Connected to Continuum of Care through Lt. Amy Ladd• September 2019 – Fort Worth Fire Department adds a Fireman/Paramedic to ride along with HOPE officers
The HOPE Unit5The HOPE unit was created to:• Be a more compassionate solution to dealing with the homeless; and• Decrease violent crime in the Near EastCRIME
The HOPE Unit Mission Statement6Primary mission is to build a rapport within the homeless community, maintain a positive police impact by way of service connections and instill a sense of self-worth in those considered chronically homeless.
The HOPE Unit7Responds to unhousedindividuals living in alternative situations such as encampments, streets or vacant structures.
The HOPE Unit8When a Complaint is ReceivedVisit campsite to: • Determine how large the camp is and whatneeds may require an outreach group torespond; and• Provide a warning to the campers that they canno longer stay on the property and give thedate and time that PD will return with CodeCompliance for clean up, if required. Thisallows for notice to vacate and providesoutreach groups time to respond.**Unless the property owner is present andrequests that the campers vacate immediately.
The HOPE Unit9• Citations are rarely issued by the HOPE Unit because of the relationship-based policing style • Connecting to services is the preferred method of resolution • Officer Kuzenka rarely receives push back from campers when asked to leave an area• Enforcement is utilized as a last resort when necessary for safety of the community
Access to Emergency ShelterGoal: Reduction of unsheltered homelessnessIntervention: Increase Access to Emergency Shelter Beds • Lowering Barriers• Funding overflow beds and case management10 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 70020192018Unsheltered HomelessnessUnsheltered Homelessness17% Decrease
Access to HousingGoal: Reduction of homelessnessIntervention: Increase Access to Housing• New Rapid Exit Program• Increased Investment in Diversion• New Families Program which includes Rapid Exit and Diversion11DiversionsSuccessfulUnsuccessful051015202530354045Rapid ExitsFamily and Individual Rapid ExitsMayJuneJulyAugust
LearningAdditional emergency shelter beds are utilized 12Presbyterian Night Shelter 4/1/19 to 9/15/19
How Many People Can One Bed Serve?13Average Length of Stay People Served in a Year12 months 106 months 203 months 401 month 120
Community Court• Homeless, with at least three citations, referred by case manager • Class C misdemeanors under Fort Worth Municipal Court’s jurisdiction• Applicants to Community Court can do community service and connect with services in order to dismiss the citations14
Current Enforcement Tools• Citations • Criminal Trespass • Nuisance Abatement • Civil Remedies15
Development of the Ordinance•December 4, 2018: Informal Report on Camping on Private Properties presented to Council •January 29, 2019: Executive session presentation regarding legal options•June 4 , 2019: Informal Report on Criminal Trespass presented to Council •August 27, 2019: Tara Perez begins outreach to support organizations and neighborhood associations•September 10, 2019: M&C and Ordinance on Council agenda for consideration 16
Shift of BurdenCurrent Law:Police must locate property owner to determine whether camping is authorized or permitted17September 10, 2019 Ordinance:For non-residential properties and residential properties, camper must produce written proof that camping is authorized by the property ownerProposed Alternate Version:Camping is prohibitedon:• All non-residential properties unless properly zoned • Residential properties that lack a permanent dwelling or potable water source and toiletfacilities. • On developed residential properties, camper must produce proof that camping is authorized by the property owner
18Original Version included inThe September 10thCouncil Packet September 10thhandout Alternate VersionProhibits camping without authorization on non-residential private property Prohibitscamping on non-residential private property unless zoned for camping(owner can not authorize)Prohibits camping without authorization on residential private property (both developed and vacant)Prohibitscamping on residential private property that lacks either a permanent dwelling or potable water source and toilet facilities(owner can not authorize)Prohibits camping without authorization ondeveloped residential private property No action against property ownerCancite property owner if knowingly allows or permits someone to camp where not allowedClass C misdemeanor with fine of up to $500Class C misdemeanor with graduated fines of up to $2,000
Options•Adopt Revised 9/10/19 Ordinance (permission of property owner)•Adopt Alternate Ordinance (not allowed without proper zoning) •Withdraw and remain with status quo