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Council adopts second-reading of sidewalk‑use ordinance amid debate over impacts
Summary
The council held the second reading and adoption by roll call of an ordinance restricting obstruction of sidewalks and building entrances, a measure framed as an intermediate enforcement tool; members debated enforcement, effects on unhoused people and legal overlap with existing rules.
At its July 20 meeting the City Council took up the second reading of ordinance 07062607, which would restrict certain uses of sidewalks and obstructing entrances to buildings. Proponents described the ordinance as an "in‑between" enforcement mechanism to avoid criminalization while addressing safety and access concerns; opponents and some community members cautioned about disproportionate impacts on unhoused people and overlapping ordinances.
Council discussion referenced prior committee hearings and legal review by the law department. Councilors who supported the ordinance emphasized that the measure is intended to reduce obstruction and associated safety hazards while avoiding arrests in many cases. Council President Pro Tem Hart said she voted no during debate to align with an absent colleague but indicated willingness to refine the language before final adoption.
The ordinance was given its second reading and the council recorded votes by roll call as required for a second reading. Staff and the law director noted that the item will proceed through the remaining readings required by city procedure.
Next steps: the item will return for the third reading per the city’s ordinance process; councilors signaled readiness to amend language if needed after further review.
