Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews proposed ban on camping on public property tied to homelessness funding eligibility
Summary
Council reviewed a draft ordinance (section 12.24.50 / Ordinance 25-13) that would prohibit camping and leaving personal property on public property and that was drafted to meet state grant eligibility requirements related to homelessness. Discussion focused on practical enforcement (tents vs RVs), duration for takedown and jurisdictional limits.
City attorney staff presented a draft ordinance (referenced in the meeting as Act Section 12.24.50 and Ordinance 25-13) that would prohibit camping on public property as part of requirements tied to state homelessness funding. The draft defines "public grounds" broadly (including U.S., state and local property within city limits) and would make it unlawful to leave personal belongings on such property after being asked to remove them.
Craig (city attorney/staff) explained the ordinance is intended in part to meet state grant conditions that require a camping prohibition to be enforceable for the city to qualify for some homelessness-related funds. Councilmembers and staff discussed enforcement practicalities, especially whether the draft explicitly addresses recreational vehicles and how long an individual would be allowed to take down personal property after being asked to remove it.
Council comments and staff responses: staff noted existing ordinances address RV parking on city streets and suggested clarifying language. Councilmembers recommended extending the takedown window from 15 minutes to 30 minutes to allow time for dismantling larger tents and equipment; staff agreed to update that language for the next draft.
No formal vote was taken; the item was discussed as a workshop/ordinance review. Staff said they would revise the section to clarify whether RVs are covered and change the takedown time to 30 minutes.
Why it matters: the ordinance affects how the city enforces camping on public property, influences eligibility for state homelessness grants, and raises operational questions about enforcement, property storage and jurisdictional limits when federal or other non-city public lands are present.
