Colorado Springs council approves tighter camping rules on public property, citing safety and sanitation

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 to resources needed to make enforcement humane. Christy Milligan, CEO of Westside Cares, told the council that many people living in vehicles have been waiting years for housing: "The resources that you want people to connect to do not yet exist," Milligan said, urging the council to delay the vote until the system can actually move people into housing.

Faith leaders, service providers and people with lived experience echoed that warning. "Responding to that lack by criminalizing our only shelter is a betrayal," said Colleen Marizzi, who spoke about living in the city's homeless community and asked the council to "choose humanity over status." Several speakers also raised concerns about specific provisions in the draft ordinance, urging removal or clarification of vague definitions, penalties that could lead to fines, and towing language.

City staff and the administration said the ordinance does not authorize vehicle seizure under its text and that enforcement discretion will rest with police, municipal court and prosecuting attorneys. Amy Cox, the city's Chief Housing and Homelessness Response Officer, described ongoing steps to boost diversion, expand a resource directory, provide flexible funding to front-line providers, and clarify zoning rules for safe parking so providers can stand up programs that accept referrals. "We are working to facilitate connections, provide some funding to programs, and to bring leadership to our system," Cox said.

The council debated the measure's balance of public safety, sanitation and compassion before voting. The ordinance is now adopted on second reading and will be implemented according to the city's enforcement and adjudication processes; staff said they will host educational sessions for providers and the public about how citations and adjudications work under the new code.

The council did not reduce or eliminate the city's role in connecting people to services; multiple members said they expect continued work with providers on safe‑parking options and diversion strategies. The ordinance's adoption does not itself allocate new housing funds; advocates urged the council and region to accelerate funding and program capacity as the city moves into enforcement.

The council moved on to other items after the vote; the ordinance will take effect under the dates defined by city code and any implementing administrative procedures.