In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state and local governments have the legal authority to implement and enforce ordinances that prohibit homeless encampments on public property. Shortly after this ruling, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order directing state and local agencies to urgently address homeless encampments while respecting the dignity and safety of Californians experiencing homelessness. The Johnson v. City of Grants Pass ruling provides added detail on this topic.

Homelessness issues are visible, urgent, and complex for many cities in the region, and the City of Santa Clara is no exception. As housing costs soar, the number of people experiencing homelessness in our community does too. Cities cannot solve the issues relating to homelessness on their own, but they do have a role to play in addressing homelessness and the City of Santa Clara is committed to doing its part. 

People with housing insecurity, include chronic homelessness (e.g. sleeping in parks, undeveloped properties, vacant buildings, transit stations), transitional (e.g. shelter system, boarding house, emergency housing), hotel living, couch surfing, car living and homeless encampments (e.g. multiple people living in an unsheltered area).The City is working to increase its affordable housing supply, a process that takes years, and investing in homelessness prevention and crisis response to ensure the City remains a safe and clean community and that people at risk of experiencing homelessness have resources to meet basic needs. 

The Police Department works collaboratively with City departments and other agencies and organizations on outreach and enforcement to connect people with access to resources and services.

For more information about available resources a visit the City’s Housing & Community Services Division’s Homeless Assistance webpage.

Homelessness on Public vs. Private Property

On private property, a landowner has the right to assert and must initiate enforcement action for police to cite or arrest a person for violating trespass laws.

On public property, a person may be asked to leave by an official from the public agency that owns the property.  If the person refuses, they may be in violation of Santa Clara City Code prohibiting unpermitted camping. 

Regardless of land ownership, criminal activity (noise, fighting, drug activity) and/or emergency (fire, imminent danger) situations should be reported immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Vehicle encampments, a cluster of recreational vehicles, can cause line of sight safety concerns, parking shortages, encroachment issues, and noise, blight and sanitation concerns.  The occupants of these vehicle encampments may be in violation of various Santa Clara City Code sections.  In addition, current parking regulations limit individuals from parking in any one location for over 72-hours per Santa Clara City Code Section 10.05.470. 

Violators are subject to a parking citation if they are not in compliance. However, this regulation starts anew once a subject moves their vehicle from one location to another. As a result, this poses a significant challenge for law enforcement.

To report a 72-hour violation, vehicle encampment or illegal dumping submit a service request in the MySantaClara app.

To learn more about local efforts to end homelessness visit the Homelessness Task Force Page.