Grand Forks Council adopts ordinance limiting camping and sleeping in vehicles after public debate

After a multi-hour public hearing and a round of public comments, the Grand Forks City Council voted to adopt an ordinance that prohibits camping and sleeping in vehicles in defined public areas, with a 24-hour notice period for persons asked to move.

The ordinance passed by a 5–2 vote following testimony from area nonprofits, faith-based volunteers and downtown business advocates. Public speakers urged the council to consider both the needs of people who are unsheltered and the concerns of small-business owners and families who use downtown public spaces.

“Camping on the greenway or in public spaces is not recreational,” said Gretchen Graff of Family of God Church, during public comment. “They are there because they cannot afford to go to a campground with amenities and they have no place else to be.”

Several service providers urged caution before criminalizing unsheltered behavior. Pat Moore, president of Homeless Helpers, said fines can make it harder for people to secure housing: “If they have a fine, they’re unable to pay for it. It puts them in, puts a record on their, for a crime and that makes it more difficult for them to get housing,” Moore told the council.

Other speakers pushed for enforcement tools. Jill Proctor of the Downtown Development Association said the measure gives law enforcement a discretionary tool to prevent encampments from forming in the city’s commercial core and said the ordinance is not a substitute for housing services.

Council debate emphasized a balance between compassion and public safety. “We’re giving them notice and giving them 24 hours to vacate,” said Council President Sandy, noting the intention was not punishment but to dissuade camping in public places and protect shared spaces. The president also highlighted shelter capacity in the city: “There are upwards of 150 beds at the Grand Forks Mission, and only 48 were used last night,” he said, urging use of shelter resources where appropriate.

The ordinance is a civil enforcement tool rather than a criminal penalty; staff confirmed code enforcement and police will use discretion and that the municipal court retains authority over any fines set under noncriminal code provisions. Council members also asked staff to coordinate service-provider responses and continue engagement with outreach groups.

Why it matters: Council members said the ordinance gives police and code enforcement a noncriminal mechanism to manage public camping while service providers continue outreach. Advocates warned of unintended harms if alternatives are not available for those who decline shelter or who lack documents needed to access support.

What’s next: Staff will publish the ordinance language and enforcement procedures and continue coordination with local providers on outreach and shelter capacity. Council asked for continued updates and ongoing dialogue with nonprofit partners.