Law and Legislation Committee 8/18/2020

The City of Sacramento Law and Legislation Committee met on August 18, 2020. On temporary shelters and encampments, the committee unanimously approved a motion directing staff to develop an emergency ordinance and return within 30 days, with stakeholder outreach. The proposal would create free ministerial permits for privately sponsored temporary shelters of up to 24 beds during a declared shelter crisis, subject to health, safety, and operating standards. Members discussed separation from sensitive uses (including a possible 500-foot requirement), utility connections, and favoring hard-sided or modular shelters over tents. A separate proposal to purchase 500 tiny homes was expected on the City Council’s agenda later that day; the committee took no purchasing action on it.

On tobacco retailers, staff sought direction on a proposed exception to distance requirements for certain locations already in the planning pipeline and a possible fresh-food requirement. Members requested information about the application histories and investments of eight affected locations, and tentatively scheduled the item for September 1 follow-up; no amendment was approved. No contract awards, bids, or other procurement approvals were identified at this meeting.