A new local ordinance will prohibit camping and vehicle parking overnight along designated roads near agricultural land starting January 1.
Here’s the breakdown
Read this especially if you care about farmland preservation, homelessness policy, or how local governments are balancing public safety and compassion.
What Just Happened
On November 18, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass a law banning overnight vehicle parking and camping on certain roads next to farmland. This decision comes in response to more than 200 reported incidents of trespassing, crop damage and equipment theft in unincorporated areas. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026 and applies only to pre‑designated roads bordering farm zones.
Key Components of the New Ordinance
- Applies only to unincorporated roads adjacent to farmland, not residential neighborhoods, the coast, or mountains
- 280 road segments have been identified for possible signage
- Initial phase includes $250,000 for posting 724 signs and launching an outreach campaign
- Enforcement will be handled by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Homeless Liaison Unit
- Offenders will first get a written notice to leave within 24 hours
- Those who do not comply may face a misdemeanor charge punishable by fines or jail
What Officials Are Saying
District 4 Supervisor Janice Parvin: “Protecting our farmland and the people who feed our community is a top priority.”
District 1 Supervisor Matt LaVere: “It’s a balanced approach that supports agriculture, safety and compassion.”
County departments worked together to build the ordinance while promising outreach and resources for vehicle dwellers.
Why This Matters
- Farm protection: Farmers have reported damage and theft, which the ordinance seeks to prevent.
- Homelessness: The law includes a plan to notify individuals and connect them to shelter and services before enforcement.
- Community trust: By involving multiple departments and offering phased implementation, the County aims to avoid a purely punitive model.
- Legal considerations: The ordinance creates a new misdemeanor offense but requires notification before prosecution, which softens the approach.
The Bottom Line
Ventura County is trying to strike a middle ground. It is creating rules to protect agriculture and public safety without criminalizing poverty outright.
The success of this ordinance will depend on how effectively the County delivers outreach, support and enforcement fairly.
It is a test of how local government balances competing needs on complex public land use and housing issues.