Hampton staff present revised camping-and-storage ordinance emphasizing outreach, lower initial penalties

Senior deputy city attorney Brandy Law briefed the council on a revised ordinance intended to address camping, sleeping and storage on public property while prioritizing outreach and services.

Law said the ordinance includes a preamble that states the city will pursue "compassionate compliance" and pair persistent outreach with housing options. "The city's goal is compassionate compliance, protecting the community while never giving up on the individual," Law said.

Key provisions described by Law include definitions for "camp" and "store," an exception for authorized public uses, an ability for staff to seize unattended property stored unlawfully and a 30-day hold for seized items. Law said property that is trash, unsanitary, hazardous or contains weapons may be disposed of immediately.

In line with stakeholder recommendations, Law said the proposal reclassifies penalties so that the first violation would be a class 4 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $250 fine, and a subsequent conviction would be a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Law said that graduated approach supports eligibility for behavioral health court diversion programs.

Law described an enforcement protocol that requires officers to give a verbal warning, allow a reasonable time to comply, provide information on shelters and programs, and document contact on a field contact card. Council members pressed staff on shelter capacity; staff said permanent housing remains limited but council has set aside funds for hotel placements while human services works with clients, and that a new housing hotline contract will replace the current service on July 1.

Council discussion emphasized outreach-first responses, improved hotline hours and a training bulletin from the police chief to ensure officers and outreach teams have consistent procedures and leave-behind materials.