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Lenoir council approves ordinance tightening rules for public spaces after prolonged public hearing on homelessness
Summary
The council approved code amendments clarifying definitions and enforcement for camping, encampments and trespass on city property; police and staff emphasized voluntary compliance and banishment notices, while residents and service providers urged shelter solutions and co-responder models.
The Lenoir City Council voted on Jan. 6 to approve amendments to the city code clarifying unauthorized or improper uses of public places, including expanded definitions of camping, encampments, temporary shelters and the storage of personal property on city property and under bridges.
Police Chief Andy Wilson told the council the changes "are intended to update our code" and said the goal is to keep public spaces safe and accessible while emphasizing voluntary compliance. "Arrest is not our go-to thing," he said, describing an enforcement sequence that relies on education, written notices and, if compliance fails, banishment or trespass charges as last resorts.
The ordinance drew an extended public hearing and multiple speakers who said the provisions risk criminalizing people experiencing homelessness. Sharon Harmon, executive director of the shelter organization Yokefellow, described local shelter experience and urged the council to prioritize day or emergency shelters and stronger regional collaboration: "They are wonderful to work with. They are effective. They're also compassionate. They're responsive," she said in reference to existing service partners and law enforcement collaboration.
Ben Willis, director of community and economic development for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, told the council the regional homeless response team was formed with HUD funding and emphasized the need for better data and coordinated services. "Homelessness is hard. This is very, very difficult work," Willis said, and offered the COG's assistance in regional planning and funding coordination.
Several residents urged delay and asked whether outreach and service referrals would be available when people are asked to leave public property. Council members and the chief repeatedly stated the ordinance clarifies enforcement practices already available to officers and is intended to guide consistent, humane responses.
Council Member Bill Thomas moved to approve the amendment as presented; the motion carried unanimously. Staff said they will implement the ordinance through officer training and written compliance procedures and will continue to coordinate with nonprofits and the regional homeless response team on shelter and services.
The ordinance will be incorporated into the Lenoir Code of Ordinances; staff said they will follow up with guidance for officers and publish public-facing materials explaining the changes and available service referrals.
