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Big Stone Gap council adopts ordinance regulating camping and sleeping in public areas
Summary
The Town Council on Feb. 10, 2026 approved Ordinance 06‑2026 regulating camping and sleeping in public areas, passing the measure with a 5‑0 vote. Council said the ordinance followed Planning Commission review and consideration of support services for affected people.
The Big Stone Gap Town Council on Feb. 10 voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 06‑2026, which regulates camping and sleeping in public areas within town limits. The motion to approve was made by Councilman Adam Harris and seconded by Councilman Robert Bloomer; the minutes record the vote as Ayes: Bloomer, Gilley, Harris, Hollinger, Hughes.
Town Manager Stephen Lawson presented the ordinance for Council consideration. During public comment prior to the vote, Planning‑meeting facilitator Matt Bright told Council that the Planning Commission had considered social supports and “significant support system available for any person that could be affected by the passing of this Ordinance,” a factor the commission cited when forwarding the ordinance to Council. The council did not record amendments during the Feb. 10 vote.
The ordinance was listed on the meeting agenda as Ordinance 06‑2026. Councilmembers who voted in favor were Robert Bloomer, Kent Gilley, Adam Harris, W. Turk Hollinger and Tyler Hughes. The council meeting minutes do not record any nay or abstain votes; Mayor Gary Johnson and Councilwoman Crystal Lyke were absent from the meeting.
