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Petoskey council holds first reading of ordinance to regulate camping in public places; debate centers on enforcement and supports for unhoused residents
Summary
At first reading, council discussed a proposed ordinance to prohibit camping in city-owned public spaces, sparking debate about enforcement, designated parking rules, available shelter and housing resources, and requests for a community task group to compile outreach resources before a final vote.
The Petoskey City Council took up a first reading on May 5 of a proposed ordinance that would regulate camping in city-owned public places. City Manager Shane Horn and staff presented the draft language and asked the council for feedback; no final vote was taken at first reading.
The draft would prohibit camping on city property except in areas “specifically designated by the city for camping purposes.” It would not apply to parking lots or spaces where overnight parking is authorized under the city’s traffic and parking code so long as the vehicle fits within the designated parking space and no tents or property are set outside the vehicle. Staff suggested removing the term “overnight” from the ordinance to avoid ambiguity about enforcement hours.
Public commenters framed the policy as part of a broader homelessness and housing conversation. Ella Johnson, a Petoskey resident, said sweeping citywide bans disproportionately harm people without housing and urged the council instead to pursue targeted responses, designated safe-sleep areas with services nearby, and expanded affordable housing and restrooms.
Council debate focused on two recurring themes: (1) how the city would enforce the prohibition in places that allow overnight parking under Chapter 21; and (2) what resources and referral processes are available to officers and the unhoused when enforcement is attempted. Councilmember Shields and others urged the city to both provide public-safety staff with a resource packet and to advance longer-term housing strategies, while some members urged moving forward so public-safety staff have tools this summer.
On enforcement and resources, City Manager Horn said officers already distribute a one-page resource handout and that staff would provide council a copy. Several councilmembers proposed forming a community group — including city staff, nonprofit partners and residents — to assemble referral resources, evaluate housing needs (including Section 8 vouchers and other affordable-housing options), and report back before a final reading.
No vote was held on the ordinance at the May 5 meeting; council members asked staff to return with clarified language and the one-page resource list and signaled they may hold additional readings.
