Council introduces ordinance curbing aggressive solicitation, clarifies storage and overnight vehicle rules

Seaside City Council on Aug. 7 introduced an ordinance that would prohibit unsafe and aggressive solicitation in medians and traffic lanes, clarify rules on storage of unattended property on public property and tighten overnight vehicle occupancy limits.

Assistant City Manager Dan Milas and City Attorney explained the draft ordinance creates a new Chapter 9.05 (aggressive solicitation) and adjusts Chapters 9.2, 9.21 and 10.32. The proposal specifically prohibits solicitation on medians and in traffic lanes, defines intrusive conduct (for example, following pedestrians, using abusive language, blocking passageways or making unwanted physical contact) and sets enforcement procedures, including notice, tagging and impoundment timelines. Staff noted the ordinance is modeled to align with recent case law and protects constitutionally protected expression while allowing time, place and manner restrictions.

Other changes include clarifying the difference between unattended and abandoned property, defining “excessive storage,” and retaining a 72-hour notice period for property tagging before impoundment. The overnight vehicle occupancy rule was adjusted to coordinate hours citywide.

Councilmembers asked how enforcement would be administered; staff said public works, police and outreach teams would coordinate enforcement and that training is planned. The first reading passed on a unanimous roll call vote; council scheduled the ordinance for adoption at the next regular meeting. Public commenters urged caution and asked that outreach, shelter options and services be prioritized alongside enforcement.

Ending: Staff will prepare final ordinance language, training materials for enforcement staff and outreach materials; the measure returns for adoption at the next meeting.