Tents–No, in the parks; yes, on public sidewalks. One can erect a tent in a park only if permitted, but otherwise, no. Tents on public sidewalks can be erected between 9 pm and 6 am only. In either case, if rule is not followed, item can be considered a bulky item and not require notification for confiscation.

Two ordinances were passed this week by City Council. Both will affect the Venice homeless and their possessions in parks and city areas. Both ordinances will become effective early July when Mayor Eric Garcetti signs them and they are published.

Basically, both ordinances define bulky items and establish that they may be removed and destroyed without prior notice.

Bulky item or Bulky items means any item, with the exception of a tent, that is too large to fit in one of the City’s 60-gallon trash containers with the lid closed, including but not limited to a mattress, couch, chair or other furniture or appliance.

A tent is considered a bulky item, unless permitted, in a park area and will be removed and destroyed. A tent in a public area must be there only from 9 pm to 6 am. Other than those hours it will be in violation.

Personal property placed in a public area for 24 hours or more shall be considered stored and subject to removal. In addition it cannot be temporarily moved and put back on a regular basis.

Moving Personal Property to another location in a Public Area or returning Personal Property to the same block on a daily or regular basis shall not be considered to be removing the Personal Property from a Public Area. The City may remove and impound such Stored Personal Property after providing 24-hour written notice.

Both ordinances define that notification of personal property removal will be 24 hours rather than the present 72 hours. Personal items remaining after 24 hours will be removed to storage at a designated place for 90 days as they presently are.

This ordinance, amending subsections B and I of Section 63.44 of Chapter VI of Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC), will restrict the possession of non-permitted bulky items and tents, and prohibit storage of personal property within the limits of any park, including a Park consisting of beaches and water recreation areas. All City parks will be affected, as will Venice Beach Park, which also includes Ocean Front Walk.

This ordinance, which repeals and replaces Section 56.11, Article 6, Chapter V of LAMC, will prohibit the storage of personal property in public areas.