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Colorado Springs council approves tighter camping rules on public property, citing safety and sanitation
Summary
On second reading the City Council approved Ordinance 26-08 to amend camping rules for public property. Supporters said the measure clarifies enforcement and protects parks; opponents, including service providers, warned it risks criminalizing homelessness without adding housing resources.
The Colorado Springs City Council on Tuesday approved Ordinance 26-08, a second‑reading amendment that restricts camping on public property, by a vote of 7–2.
Supporters of the ordinance said it provides clear enforcement standards police and municipal court staff can apply to recurring encampments and harmful sanitation problems. "We sometimes hear questions, well, why don't people just come up to the cars and ask if they need help?" said a council member during debate, arguing the ordinance gives officers a consistent tool to refer people to resources. Councilman Donelson moved the ordinance; Councilman Williams seconded the motion and the measure passed 7–2.
Opponents at the meeting, including shelter and outreach providers, said the city lacks the housing capacity and real‑time access…
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