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πŸ›οΈ Homelessness & Encampment Rules/Encampment Sanitation

Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana

How do encampment sanitation rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Costa Mesa and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.

Costa Mesa, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Orange County coordinates encampment sanitation through OC Public Works, OC Health Care Agency, and the Office of Care Coordination, providing notice, storage of personal property, and sharps and biohazard cleanup before any flood-channel or right-of-way clearing operation.

View full Costa Mesa rules β†’

Santa Ana, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Santa Ana coordinates encampment sanitation operations along the Santa Ana River and civic center, providing storage of personal belongings, advance notice to occupants, and outreach connection to OC Continuum of Care services.

View full Santa Ana rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactCosta MesaSanta Ana
Notice required72 hours written-
Property storage90 days-
Lead agenciesOC Public Works, HCA-
OutreachCare Coordination-
Notice period-At least 72 hours
Property handling-Stored, not destroyed
Active sites-Riverbed, civic center
Outreach lead-OC Continuum of Care

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Costa Mesa FAQ

How are personal belongings handled during a cleanup?

Items not abandoned must be stored for ninety days at a county facility, with claim instructions posted on-site. Hazardous materials and contaminated items are excluded from storage.

Who provides medical care during encampment outreach?

OC Health Care Agency Mobile Wellness Centers, county Behavioral Health, and partner federally-qualified health centers offer screening, vaccinations, and connection to housing services.

Santa Ana FAQ

What happens to my belongings during cleanup?

Personal property is tagged and stored, not destroyed, for a minimum retrieval period. Hazardous, abandoned, or biohazard items may be discarded directly under public health protocols.

Where do shelter referrals go?

Outreach teams connect contacted individuals with the OC Continuum of Care intake system, which coordinates shelter beds, navigation centers, and supportive housing across Orange County.

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