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First reading of camping ordinance draws pleas for housing and outreach
Summary
City staff presented a first reading of an ordinance to restrict unauthorized camping and storage of personal property in public rights-of-way. Public commenters with lived experience and homeless‑service advocates urged the commission to alter the 24‑hour removal timeline and to develop housing and low‑barrier options before enforcement.
City staff presented a first reading on Nov. 20 of an ordinance that would prohibit unauthorized camping and storage of personal property on public infrastructure, parks and near unsafe or condemned buildings. The draft establishes notice requirements, civil-penalty tiers ($25 first offense, $50 second, $100 third and subsequent within three years) and impoundment procedures for personal property with a 90‑day impoundment period; staff described the measure as a tool of last resort with a requirement to attempt social‑service referrals before enforcement.
City Attorney Finch said the ordinance was drafted with municipal‑court input to reduce legal risk following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Grants Pass matter; the local fines are substantially smaller than some West Coast examples and the ordinance is civil rather than criminal. Staff said authorized, permitted park overnight stays (e.g., Scouts with prior permission) would not be affected.
Public commenters urged changes. Julie Riggins, who described having lived experience with homelessness, said Ottawa lacks affordable and low‑barrier housing and that a 24‑hour removal window is unrealistic; she asked the commission to consider designated areas or a compromise that avoids displacing people without options. “We do not have affordable housing in this city... we do not have low barrier housing,” Riggins said, urging the city to involve local service providers in any enforcement plan. Brett Stanslow said the draft feels like a “hammer” that will criminalize homelessness and asked city leaders to prioritize outreach and additional discussion before moving toward enforcement.
City staff said the draft is a first reading and that further revisions will follow; the item is scheduled for continued deliberation at the commission’s evening meeting on Dec. 4.
Outcome and next steps: No final action was taken. Staff will accept public input, coordinate with social‑service providers and return with recommended changes and next steps at the Dec. 4 meeting.
