An ordinance expanding Longmont’s definition of camping will come back to the city council for a vote.
During a study session Tuesday, Longmont City Council directed staff to bring back an ordinance that aims to address ongoing issues with people camping on public or private property without consent. The ordinance moved forward with no changes
The ordinance as drafted defines camping as temporarily residing or dwelling in a place by using or erecting a shelter, other than park-provided shelters during the day, and conducting daily living activities there. It does not include napping or picnicking for up to two hours.
Current city rules only allow for camping in designated locations or with permission, while the proposed ordinance explicitly prohibits camping on public property or private property without consent. The ordinance would prohibit camping on private property without first obtaining permission from the owner of the property.
Camping does not include people using blankets or sleeping bags, but does prohibit the erection of tents.
As proposed by the ordinance, if a person is found camping where they should not, individuals are informed of the violation, required to cease and provided with resources to assist them in finding services and a place to stay.
If the person has a large amount of personal property, it is tagged to notify them that they have 48 hours to remove their property before it is removed. The tag has written information on services and where to retrieve abandoned property deemed to be of value.
City council also heard about what those resources look like for people experiencing homelessness, and staff pointed to a large amount of behind the scenes work both by the city and local partners to try to get people sheltered.
“The city is doing a lot within the constraint of what the law allows,” Councilmember Tim Waters said. “Tonight, there isn’t anybody in Longmont who has to be sleeping somewhere without a roof over their head because resources are available.”
The ordinance would not be enforced if there are no shelter beds available.
Council directed staff to come back with an ordinance for them to vote on in a first reading.
“I think (this ordinance) will help people unhoused make a decision,” Mayor Joan Peck said.
