Seaside adopts ordinance tightening camping rules; defines "established campsite" and notification process
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Summary
The City Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑06 amending Chapter 102 to define an "established campsite" (5+ days), require 72‑hour notice for authorized removals, clarify vehicle camping and ADA considerations, and update enforcement and prohibited locations. Vote was 5–1.
Seaside — The Seaside City Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑06 on Nov. 24, 2025, updating the city code on camping, lying and sleeping on public and private property.
Spencer explained the ordinance is intended to align local rules with best practices and recent legal precedent. The ordinance defines an "established campsite" as occupancy of a site for five or more consecutive days and requires a 72‑hour notice process before removal actions on established campsites. It also clarifies definitions (lying, sleeping, campsite), revises vehicle‑camping provisions to avoid conflict with the parking code, and adds location‑specific prohibitions and ADA considerations for sidewalks and recreational facilities.
Council discussion focused on where overflow camping might be allowed, and whether the ordinance adequately identifies those locations. "I remain bothered by the lack of establishing where overflow areas...not allowing notice to go out to the residents of those areas that are used," one councilor said during deliberations.
On a roll‑call vote, the council adopted the ordinance. The city recorder recorded the vote as: Councilor Hoffman — Yes; Councilor Benacker — Yes; Council President Morrissey — Yes; Mayor Steve Wright — Yes; Councilor McVay — No; Councilor Montero — Yes. The motion carried and the ordinance was adopted.
What happens next: staff will implement the updated notice and enforcement procedures and provide clarifications to residents about allowable locations and permit processes as part of enforcement implementation.