The ordinance, which prohibits camping on all public property and allows prosecutors to criminally charge anyone “aiding” or “abetting” a homeless camp.

Fremont has enacted one of the most restrictive homeless encampment bans in California, sparking backlash from advocates and nonprofits who fear the ordinance could criminalize efforts to help those who are unhoused.

The ordinance, which allows the city to fine those who help the homeless and makes it illegal for homeless people to camp on public property, was approved in a 6-1 vote after more than two hours of public comments.

Outreach workers in the California city of Fremont worry the new homelessness ordinance could target them, despite assurances from the city.

Fremont’s plan to ban homeless camps anywhere in the city has the potential to be the most forceful response yet in the Bay Area to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling this summer granting officials broad authority to police homelessness — and could have ripple effects across the region.

The court ruled that threats to public health and safety justify the city’s push to clean up the site in the North Star neighborhood.

Burien created an outright prohibition on living outside Monday and at least seven other jurisdictions in Washington created or expanded camping bans in 2024.

Fremont, California passed a strict ordinance to ban homeless encampments on all public properties, including parks, on a 6-1 city council vote on Tuesday night.