Bexar County addresses homeless encampment sanitation through coordinated SARAH outreach plus Sheriff and Public Works response, not a standing ordinance. Cleanups are scheduled with notice and outreach contact before removal.
Bexar County does not run a permanent sanitation crew dedicated to encampment cleanups, unlike Los Angeles or Austin. Encampments on county-owned land or rights-of-way are addressed through Bexar County Public Works in coordination with SARAH outreach teams, who attempt to engage residents and offer shelter at Haven for Hope or other CoC partners before any cleanup is scheduled. State law and federal Martin v. Boise (9th Cir 2018, 5th Circuit non-binding) guidance influence how the county balances public-health concerns with rights of unsheltered residents. Notice periods of 72 hours are typical for non-emergency removals, with property storage offered for personal belongings.
No standing penalties. Public-health emergencies allow expedited cleanup under Texas Health and Safety Code 343 nuisance abatement. Unhoused individuals are not cited under a county encampment ordinance because none exists.
See how Live Oak's encampment sanitation rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.