Grover Beach shortens notice for encampment removal from 72 to 48 hours; council cites case law and efficiency

Grover Beach City Council on Oct. 27 adopted changes to the city’s camping ordinance that shorten the required notice period for removal of unlawful encampments on public property from 72 hours to 48 hours.

Police Chief Monroe said the department and public‑works partners proposed the change to improve operational efficiency and better coordinate contractors who conduct cleanups. "We were, proposing to reduce the noticing requirement from 72 hours down to 48 hours, which would enable faster response, to encampments by both the police department and the public works division," Monroe said, noting that the proposal aligns with guidance from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness and the timeframe used by other state agencies.

Staff told the council the shorter window allows the city to schedule contractor removals more efficiently (often consolidating work into fewer weekly contractor visits), potentially saving money and staff time. Council members asked about outreach and how the change would be communicated to people living in encampments; staff said notices posted at sites would be updated, social media used and partner outreach coordinated with the 5 Cities Homeless Coalition.

The ordinance (amendments to Chapter 93, sections 93.35, 93.52 and 93.54) was adopted following a public hearing and passed on a 5–0 roll call vote. Staff said the ordinance will take effect 30 days after adoption and the new 48‑hour timeline will be used for enforcement thereafter.

Provenance: Chief Monroe’s presentation and staff Q&A begin at 00:55:52; the motion and roll‑call vote appear at 01:06:43–01:07:16.