Shelton council approves ordinance tightening ban on camping in public spaces after hours of public comment

The Shelton City Council on June 5 voted to approve Ordinance 2029-0525, amending Chapter 8.74 of the Shelton Municipal Code to prohibit camping on public property. Council members recorded in the roll call included Council Member Bloesch, Deputy Mayor Sherman and Council Member Sapp voting in favor and Council Member Gilmore and Mayor Nesco voting no; other votes were not specified on the record.

City Manager Mark Ziegler told the council the ordinance rewrites the code’s definition of “camping” and adds an enforcement framework. The new definition says camping means “to reside or sleep in a tent, hut, lean-to or other temporary shelter or structure,” replacing previous language that used the phrase “remaining overnight.” Ziegler said the change was made to give clearer guidance to staff that may have to enforce the rule.

The ordinance creates a misdemeanor penalty — up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 — but specifies that the city will not charge the crime if law enforcement has offered resources to a person camping on public property and the person accepts the offer or…