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Des Moines council amends camping ordinance after split vote amid legal and humanitarian concerns
Summary
The Des Moines City Council voted 5–2 to amend municipal code section 102-410 on prohibited camping, removing certain affirmative defenses and prompting debate about constitutional risk and impacts on people experiencing homelessness.
The Des Moines City Council on Oct. 20 approved an amendment to municipal code section 102-410, changing the city’s rules and penalties related to prohibited camping. The ordinance passed on a 5–2 vote.
Supporters said the change was intended to sharpen enforcement of the existing camping prohibition; opponents warned removing affirmative defenses would increase legal exposure for the city and further harm people sleeping outdoors. Council members debated whether the change would raise Fourth Amendment search-and-seizure risks and noted the earlier court focus on the Eighth Amendment.
The amendment, introduced as item 41 on the agenda, revises the municipal offense and fine for…
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