notice to vacate

HOW TO WRITE: “The Notice of Homeless Encampment Removal”

To write an advance notice for a homeless encampment removal in California, you must provide a minimum of 48 hours’ written notice in a prominent location at the encampment site. In some local jurisdictions, this minimum may be 72 hours or more.

Required Information for the Notice

The notice should be in multiple languages reflecting the demographics of the community and include, at a minimum, the following details:

  • Location of the encampment site: A specific address or description of the area to be cleared.
  • Posting date: The date the notice was put up.
  • Dates and times of the removal action: The exact date and time the enforcement action will begin. (Enforcement cannot start earlier than this time, and a new notice is required if work doesn’t begin within two days of the stated date).
  • Reason for clearing: Briefly state the reason (e.g., health/safety hazard, public right-of-way obstruction).
  • Information on services: Details on immediately available shelter and housing resources, including contact information for service providers and outreach teams.
  • Personal belongings handling: Information on how unattended belongings will be handled, stored, and recovered, including the location for pickup and the deadline for claiming them (typically stored for at least 60 days).
  • Contact information: A point of contact for questions or further assistance.

Example Template (Jurisdiction-Specific)

[JURISDICTION NAME] NOTICE TO VACATE / ENFORCEMENT ACTION NOTICE

POSTING DATE: [Date notice is posted]

LOCATION: [Specific address or description of the area, e.g., “The encampment located on the public right-of-way at the intersection of Main Street and 1st Avenue”]

ANTICIPATED DATE AND TIME OF REMOVAL:
Enforcement action will begin no earlier than [Date], at [Time, e.g., 8:00 AM].

REASON FOR REMOVAL:[e.g., This area is being cleared because it poses an imminent threat to public health and safety or is blocking free passage on a public sidewalk.]

SERVICES AND SHELTER INFORMATION:
Outreach services have been requested to connect individuals with resources. For immediate assistance, including shelter and housing options, please contact:

  • [Service Provider Name/Department]: [Phone Number] / [Website]
  • [Local 2-1-1 or relevant community resource phone number]

PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
You must remove all personal belongings by the specified date and time. Unattended items will be collected, labeled, and stored for a minimum of [Number, e.g., 60] days, unless they pose an immediate health or safety hazard.

  • To recover your property, items can be claimed at [Storage Location Address] during [Hours of Operation] until [Final Claim Date].
  • For questions regarding property storage, please call [Phone Number].

FAILURE TO VACATE:
Failure to vacate the premises and remove all belongings may result in enforcement actions, which can include citations or arrests.

DISCLAIMER: This information is a general guide based on current state-level guidance and model ordinances. Local jurisdictions may have specific requirements or settlement agreements, such as the one in Chico, which mandates that residents receive 7 days’ notice and that additional notice be provided to lawyers. Always verify and comply with the specific local laws and policies that are relevant to your situation.

Read how Wild West Homeless Encampment Removal Service can help you with your issues, as we have done in the Temecula Valley.,