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Ottawa adopts civil camping ordinance after public debate over winter timing and notice
Summary
The commission passed an ordinance regulating camping and storage of personal property in public spaces, applying a civil enforcement process with at least a 24-hour written notice before property removal and a redemption fee cap of $499. Public commenters urged delaying enforcement until spring or extending notice to 48 hours.
The Ottawa City Commission voted Dec. 18 to adopt an ordinance that prohibits camping and the storage of personal property on public infrastructure, in parks and within 10 feet of designated dangerous or unsafe structures. The ordinance frames violations as civil (not criminal), requires at least a 24-hour written notice before property may be removed, and caps redemption fees at $499 as set by the municipal court judge.
What the ordinance does: City Manager Silcott and staff said the rule is designed as a tool of last resort, crafted after stakeholder engagement and in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass v. Johnson decision. The ordinance includes a sample notice timeline: a 24-hour pre-removal notice, potential removal on day 1 if there is no remediation, and days 2–90 for property storage and owner reclamation.
Public concerns: During the public-comment period several speakers raised objections to the timing and detail of the ordinance. Albert Harris, speaking for the local coalition to end homelessness, warned that fines and property removal could effectively lead to permanent confiscation for people unable to pay to reclaim items and urged either delaying enforcement until warmer weather or increasing specificity and time for compliance. Brett Stanslow urged tabling the ordinance until spring and suggested extending removal notice to 48 hours.
Staff and commission response: Chief Weingartner and City Attorney Finch emphasized that enforcement would focus on outreach and services, that civil enforcement differs from criminal trespass, and that discretion would be used. City Attorney Finch noted the ordinance sets a minimum notice period (24 hours) but does not prevent officers from giving longer time in many cases; staff said the commission can amend the ordinance quickly if enforcement practices prove problematic.
Vote and next steps: After discussion, the commission moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by roll-call vote. Commissioners and staff said the ordinance is one piece of a broader strategy that includes coordination with local service providers and the community policing unit. Staff will implement notice, storage and reclamation procedures consistent with the ordinance and municipal policy.
Why it matters: The ordinance changes how camping in public places will be handled in Ottawa by giving city responders a civil tool to address unsafe encampments while preserving the ability to coordinate with nonprofit partners. Public commenters and some commissioners urged careful monitoring of enforcement and consideration of extended notice windows during winter months.
