Shelton council adopts ordinance banning public camping; enforcement tied to policy development

The Shelton City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2029-0525 on June 17, 2025, amending Shelton Municipal Code Chapter 8.74 to prohibit “to reside or sleep in a tent, hut, lean-to or other temporary shelter or structure” on public property and establishing misdemeanor penalties for violations.

The ordinance defines camping, sets a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, and says a misdemeanor will not be charged if law enforcement has offered resources and the person accepts the offer or agrees to relocate. City Manager Mark Ziegler told the council that “the policy shall include the procedures for the removal of personal property associated with camping, and this ordinance shall not be enforced until the policies have been developed and finalized.”

Why it matters: The ordinance touches daily life in downtown Shelton — including Brewer Park — and sets a new local criminal prohibition while tying enforcement to an implementing policy the city must still write. That combination prompted extensive public comment and debate over public safety, fiscal cost, and alternatives to criminalization.

Council action and next steps

The council took a formal vote on the ordinance after a lengthy public hearing. Recorded votes in the roll call included Council Member Julie Blush…