Item 5: Ord. Allowing Camping in Tents Where Camping in Vehicles Allowed

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permitted non-family sites accommodating between one and three vehicles each. These sites currently serve 55 people, two of whom are residing in tents. The waiting list for the program currently stands at 110 requests, 27 of which are for tents, or 24.5 percent of requests. Issues There are a number of issues to be considered when defining tents as vehicles for the purpose of car camping. Allowing tents does offer flexibility for siting homeless campers, as many of the homeless in the community do not have vehicles for camping. Unlike vehicles, however, tents and the possessions within are much less secure and may present more problems related to theft at managed car- camping sites. Also, tents may appear less contained and compact than vehicles, leading to increased community concerns regarding the placement of managed sites. Further, sites considered adequate for tent campers (close to transit and services, proper surfaces for establishing a tent) are less prevalent when limited to parking lots, paved and graveled surfaces. Expanding the number of car camping sites, following a one-time $50,000 increase to the car camping program contract with St Vincent de Paul has proceeded slower than anticipated, making it difficult to measure the impacts of allowing tents on managed car camping sites. St. Vincent de Paul has recently increased staffing for the program to aid more site recruitment. Furthermore, City staff continue to identify City-owned sites adequate for managed car camping and engage the surrounding community to ensure a proper fit for campers and neighbors. RELATED CITY POLICIES Eugene City Code provisions related to overnight camping (Eugene Code Chapter 4). Council goal for a safe community: A community where all people are safe, valued and welcome, including desired outcomes for decreased property crime, a greater sense of safety, visible and accessible police presence, and better police/community relations. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council may choose to make the temporary amendment permanent, grant an extension or allow the amendment to sunset on April 15, 2012 CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends an extension of the amendment to Ordinance 4.816 through December 31, 2012. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to adopt Council Bill 5066, an ordinance concerning permitted overnight sleeping and amending Section 4.816 of the Eugene Code, 1971. ATTACHMENTS A.Amendment to Ordinance 4.816 S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M120312\S1203125.doc