ENCAMPMENT
Reports of encampments that are posing a fire or safety concern should be directed to call 9-1-1 or the PD non-emergency number 805-882-8900.
UNAUTHORIZED ENCAMPMENTS RESPONSE AND ABATEMENT
The Environmental Services Division manages the City’s centralized reporting system for unauthorized encampments and related trash issues within the City of Santa Barbara. Our response team consists of representatives from City Net (contracted to provide outreach services) and staff from throughout the City organization, including Environmental Services, Parks, Creeks and Streets Divisions and the Police Department. The team works to connect the unsheltered with services, clean up encampments, and take enforcement action when necessary.
Once an encampment report is received, it is assessed for response on many factors, including whether it is on private, City or another agency’s (e.g. Caltrans or Union Pacific) property, if it is an active or abandoned encampment, and if there are environmental impacts. The City always seeks to work with occupants to leave voluntarily. Prior to any cleanup, we provide outreach services and proper advance notice (72 hours). Working with occupants and cleaning an encampment can take several weeks. We track all encampment reports, and can provide an update if requested.
Find out more about local homelessness initiatives and resources for the unsheltered by visiting the City’s Housing and Human Services Division web page.
REPORT
Learn where to report issues related to unauthorized or abandoned encampments and unsheltered individuals in need. Getting your report to the correct contact will help expedite your report.
Individual in Need Form
Use this form to report homeless/individuals in need. Requests are logged, assessed, and dispatched according to the order received. Reports made for locations that are not under the City of Santa Barbara’s jurisdiction will be sent to the proper responsible agency.
Unauthorized or Abandoned Encampment Form
Use this form to report an encampment. Requests are logged, assessed, and dispatched according to the order received. Reports made for locations that are not under the City of Santa Barbara’s jurisdiction will be sent to the proper responsible agency.
For property claims call 805-564-5558.
Illegal or Unsafe Activity
City of Santa Barbara Police Department
Emergency – 911
Non-Emergency – 805-882-8500
Reporting Location Matters
If you are not sure what jurisdiction the reporting location is in, please review the City of Santa Barbara Boundary Map. If the reporting location is outside of the City of Santa Barbara, please use one of the below contacts to submit your report:
- California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Freeway and Freeway on and off Ramps
Caltrans Customer Service Request Form
(805) 441-5712 - Union Pacific
Railroad Property
888-877-7267 (24 hours) - City of Goleta
805-961-7500
www.cityofgoleta.org - County of Santa Barbara
805-681-4200
http://countyofsb.org/home.c
View the most recent and upcoming clean-ups on City of Santa Barbara property. List coming soon.
The Milpas, Cacique, Quarantina and Calle Cesar Chavez freeway underpasses are highly used thoroughfares that accumulate trash and necessitate ongoing maintenance. The City has these underpasses on a bi-weekly maintenance schedule on Thursday mornings. The scope of work includes litter pick-up and power washing of the sidewalk surfaces.
Quarantina Underpass Map
Cacique Underpass Map
Milpas Underpass Map
Calle Cesar Chavez Underpass Map
Other Clean SB Programs
The SB Clean Program joins residents, City staff, and community representatives with the #CleanSB mission to reduce waste (reduce, reuse, recycle and compost) and contribute to a clean community through graffiti and litter abatement.
Spirit of Service Awards
Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping is the placement of unwanted items in locations other than the owner’s trash or recycling containers. If you see items that have been illegally dumped please use our illegal dumping hotline and forms to help keep our community clean.
