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Lenoir council adopts ordinance clarifying prohibited camping, storage on city property after public hearing
Summary
The Lenoir City Council approved ordinance amendments Jan. 6 that expand definitions of camping and encampments, clarify enforcement for storage of personal property and strengthen rules for bridges and pedestrian underpasses; the changes emphasize voluntary compliance but drew concerns from advocates who urged more shelter and nonpolice response options.
The Lenoir City Council on Jan. 6 adopted amendments to sections of the city code that expand prohibited uses of city property, including camping, temporary shelters and storage of personal property, and that strengthen rules for bridges and pedestrian underpasses.
Police Chief Andy Wilson, who presented the ordinance at the council's second reading and public hearing, said the revisions broaden coverage beyond parks to all city property and add definitions intended to make enforcement consistent. "This language in this ordinance amendment reflects input from legal counsel" and regional partners, he said, adding that the enforcement approach emphasizes voluntary compliance and "arrest is not our go to thing." He described a stepped approach of voluntary direction, written notice and…
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