During a recent government meeting, officials discussed Ordinance number 2024-09, which aims to amend provisions related to parks, trails, and public spaces in the city. The ordinance seeks to eliminate exceptions for camping and personal property storage in parks and trails, revising chapters 12.32 and 12.52 of the Municipal Code.

The proposed changes are a response to ongoing challenges with homelessness in public spaces, which have been a concern since 2017. The ordinance will provide greater flexibility in the placement of signage regarding park rules and alcohol consumption, addressing issues of excessive signage that detracts from the parks' aesthetics.

The background of this ordinance is rooted in a legal precedent set by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Martin v. City of Boise, which previously restricted cities from enforcing camping prohibitions when adequate shelter options were unavailable. However, a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson has overturned this precedent, allowing cities to enforce camping bans in public spaces.

If adopted, the ordinance will prohibit overnight camping and personal property storage in parks and trails after hours. Violators may face citations, and repeat offenders could be banned from park access. City officials emphasized the complexity of addressing homelessness and the need for a balanced approach that considers both public safety and the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness.

The ordinance reflects a significant shift in policy, aiming to enhance the usability and safety of public spaces while responding to evolving legal frameworks regarding homelessness.