Goldendale police chief urges camping‑ban language after 9th Circuit ruling; council to form ordinance committee

Police Chief Mike Smith reported July 1 that a recent 9th Circuit ruling has bearing on the city’s ability to enforce camping prohibitions on public property, and he urged the council to update local ordinances to clarify when camping is allowed — limited to permitted events — and when it may be subject to removal.

Chief Smith said an ordinance that specifies camping is permitted only by event permit would help the city manage situations such as the Bluegrass Festival and other events where temporary camping is allowed, while still giving the city tools to address long‑term encampments in parks and other public areas. Councilors discussed making the permit requirement explicit, how permits would be administered, and whether family‑private camping could be allowed via a separate permit process.

Council agreed to form an ordinance committee and aimed to meet the week after the July 1 meeting to draft appropriate language; the chair and several councilors volunteered to participate, and staff were asked to include the item on the committee schedule. The committee will return recommended ordinance language for full council consideration and any required public hearing.