Seaside City Council voted unanimously Aug. 18 to adopt an ordinance amending multiple chapters of the city code to prohibit “aggressive solicitation” in certain public spaces, shorten the permitted overnight occupancy hours for vehicles on public property, and clarify rules for storage and removal of personal property left on city property. The council said the changes aim to protect pedestrian and traffic safety while preserving constitutionally protected speech.
Why it matters: The measure directly affects people who live in vehicles or store belongings on public land and sets clearer timelines and procedures for removal of property, notice periods and enforcement. Supporters said it will improve safety for drivers and pedestrians; opponents said it criminalizes homelessness and risks costly litigation.
The ordinance adds a new chapter (9.05) that defines and bans unsafe or “aggressive” solicitation in locations the city described as medians, traffic lanes, financial institutions and driveways, and after-dark activity that impedes pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The council also amended chapter 9.2 to prohibit occupancy of vehicles on public property between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. (the previous ordinance used 10 p.m.). Revisions to chapter 9.21 define attended versus abandoned personal property, list items protected as essential for survival, and create a 72‑hour notice for certain cleanups with disposal allowed after a 60‑day impound period; the code allows immediate removal if health or safety hazards are present. The parking chapter 10.32 removes fixed four-hour limits at three parks and delegates signage authority to the city manager.
City staff described the changes as a balanced, time‑place‑manner approach that protects free‑speech rights while responding to residents’ safety and commerce concerns. Assistant City Manager Dan Milas presented the draft and said the amendments align with neighboring jurisdictions and legal standards; the staff memo said the ordinance is not subject to environmental review per the California Environmental Quality Act (referencing section 15061(b)(3)).
Public comment was sharply divided. Homeless‑service advocates and unhoused residents urged the council to repeal or significantly narrow the measures, calling them punitive and dangerous. Tim Heven, chair of the Living Experience Advisory Directive and a longtime outreach worker, said the changes “criminalize poverty” and urged repeal, adding that sweeps and property removals waste resources and harm public health. Carla Lobel, a community advocate, warned of legal risks and urged investments in shelter, storage and supportive services instead of criminal enforcement. By contrast, residents who said they live or work near encampments urged tools for enforcement. Darryl Shote, a Seaside resident, said city enforcement tools are needed because some people leave large amounts of trash that block sidewalks. Emily Shim, who said she’d experienced homelessness previously, told the council she supported the ordinance and pointed to private storage options in neighboring cities.
Council members framed the vote as a difficult balance between compassion and public safety. Council members and the city attorney noted the city’s continuing obligations to provide outreach and services and the legal limits on enforcement. The council directed staff to implement the new rules, finalize signage, and coordinate enforcement with outreach and public‑works schedules.
What happens next: The ordinance passed unanimously. Several public commenters warned the city it may face legal challenges; advocates urged additional investment in shelter capacity, storage and outreach. City staff said the manager will set final signage and implement the notice and impound procedures, and the city attorney will monitor any legal developments.