Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Spaces Homelessness Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews revised outdoor lodging ordinance language; staff adds 'appropriate use' language and sunset clause
Summary
City staff returned to the council with a revised draft ordinance addressing lodging out of doors, replacing the word “enjoy” with “appropriate use of public spaces” and adding a sunset provision; council agreed to introduce the revised text at the advertised introduction date and to consider final adoption at a later meeting.
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — City staff presented a revised draft ordinance on May 6 that would prohibit lodging out of doors in certain circumstances and added clarifying language and a sunset clause after prior council feedback.
Staff said the revision replaces prior wording that used the term “enjoy” to describe permitted uses of public space and now refers to the “appropriate use of public spaces by our residents and visitors.” The draft also includes a sunset clause (a temporary expiry unless reauthorized) intended to allow the city to assess effects and further refine rules.
Why this matters: Ordinances that restrict outdoor lodging raise homelessness, public‑space use and civil‑liberties considerations. Council members previously asked for clearer phrasing; the staff changes were made to address that request.
Process and timing: Staff told the council the revised text will be introduced at the next advertised introduction meeting (the presenter referred to the “20 seventh” date during the session) and that formal adoption would be scheduled at a subsequent meeting following the required notice period. Council did not take a final vote on the ordinance at the May 6 work session.
Next steps: Staff will include the revised text in the packet for introduction and return for formal consideration on the advertised adoption calendar.
