Riverside advances 24-hour notice rule for unhoused drop-offs

Raincross Gazette: Riverside City Council on Tuesday introduced a new chapter of the municipal code that would require any agency or organization to notify the city manager and Housing and Human Services director at least 24 hours before transporting a person who lacks a fixed nighttime residence into Riverside. A second notice would be required after the drop-off to confirm whether the person was connected to services.

The staff report frames the rule as a coordination tool, not a ban. Officials cited 614 people in the city's 2025 unsheltered count and estimated it costs Riverside about $63,376.19 to stabilize one unsheltered person through shelter, rental assistance, case management and outreach. The ordinance carves out jail bookings, transport to medical or social service appointments, court appearances, city-run transport and public transit.

Officials said the goal is to push other jurisdictions and agencies to coordinate rather than to criminalize homelessness or block charitable aid. A second council vote is required; if adopted, the rule takes effect 30 days later.