FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) –Fresno County’s illegal camping ordinance is set to go into effect Friday.
The Board of Supervisors approved the ban in August on the heels of the city of Fresno’s recently approved ban on encampments.
“It’s not as black-and-white as other ordinances that have been proposed that flat out ban sit, lie, sleep. This is very specific to obstruction of public access, meaning a walkway, an entryway to various facilities like sidewalks, roads, and that’s about safety,” said deputy County Administrative Officer Amina Flores-Becker back in August.
The ordinance also follows a June US Supreme Court ruling that states cities can legally enforce bans on sleeping outside in public areas.
People who violate the ordinance could face a fine of $500 or up to six months in jail.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Randy James
