In a continued effort to address homelessness and enhance public safety, the Novato City Council amended its ordinance relating to unlawful camping on December 9, 2024. Novato’s Municipal Code already prohibited unlawful camping with limited exceptions.
The City’s approach for implementation remains similar to prior practice:
- Offering services and issuing warnings before enforcement is considered;
- Prioritizing contact with individuals at risk of harming themselves, others or the environment; and
- Ensuring compliance with existing court orders allowing current campers remain in place at Lee Gerner Park.
On December 10, 2024, an interested person filed a lawsuit challenging the City Council’s action and alleging the City did not comply with open meeting laws or demonstrate an urgent need for the amendment. On December 18, 2024, the Marin Superior Court considered a Temporary Restraining Order to prevent the ordinance from taking effect.
The Court denied the request yesterday, meaning the ordinance remains in effect as adopted by the City Council. The Court found it was unlikely the case would succeed on the merits at trial and the requirement of immediate danger or irreparable harm was not met.
The City of Novato remains committed to partnering with local organizations to provide those experiencing homelessness access to support services and resources while ensuring our shared public spaces remain accessible and safe for everyone who calls Novato home.
