Troy council postpones ordinance banning habitation in vehicles after sharp public opposition

Council members moved on Aug. 3 to send back an ordinance (O32-2026) that would prohibit public habitation in vehicles, after residents urged the city to pursue housing and service-based alternatives rather than criminal penalties.

Resident Nikki DeMars, who said she previously experienced housing instability, told the council: "Giving people citations for sleeping in their vehicles doesn't solve that problem. It only exacerbates the crisis that those people are in." Multiple other speakers raised similar concerns, warning that citations, impound costs and short-term jailings would compound barriers to securing housing and employment.

Council members and the law director signaled legal questions and asked for further study. Councilman Todd Sievert moved to transfer the matter back to committee "based upon our discussions, current law discussions with the law director, council members, concerns and questions arising as this as well as public comments," and the motion was seconded and approved; the chair and clerk said the committee would meet around Aug. 31 to review amended language and legal implications.

The city’s Director of Public Service and Safety said the ordinance had been prompted by neighborhood complaints and that police would continue outreach and available services, but also acknowledged not everyone accepts assistance. Officials said the referral will allow more time to clarify enforcement definitions in the draft ordinance (for example, the six observable criteria cited in the draft that could lead to a citation) and to coordinate with county resources.

The council did not vote on the substance of the prohibition; instead, it postponed final action by formally referring the ordinance back to committee for further study and public notice of the follow-up meeting.