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Council introduces anti‑camping ordinance for first reading, citing stronger enforcement tools
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance to tighten rules on camping and storage of personal property on public property and rights‑of‑way, updating the code after recent case law and to provide clearer standards for enforcement; introduction passed 5–0 on first reading.
The council introduced for first reading an ordinance (amending chapter 12.28) to clarify and expand rules prohibiting camping and the storage of personal property in public places, parks and public rights‑of‑way. Staff and the city attorney said the revised code provides clearer definitions and an enforceable structure for when and how camping and related obstruction are prohibited.
Why now: Staff reported a substantial increase in encampment removals in 2024 (over 200 locations cleared) and said many locations are repeatedly re‑occupied. City and legal staff said the ordinance is drafted in light of recent court rulings and changes in case law and reviewed comparable ordinances in peer cities to reduce legal risk while giving police, the homeless‑liaison team and park staff clearly written standards to enforce.
Scope and limits: The draft ordinance focuses on prohibiting tent or structure‑based camping, blocking of access and leaving of property in parks and rights‑of‑way; it does not criminalize sleeping in vehicles and staff cautioned that a broader ban on car‑sleeping could raise legal issues and was not part of this text. Councilmembers asked for follow‑up materials about vehicle‑sleeping enforcement options and for stronger outreach to service providers.
Action: Council introduced the ordinance for first reading and waived further reading (5–0); staff will return with the ordinance for second reading and potential adoption. The council also discussed continued outreach to service providers and the city’s homeless liaison officer efforts.
