Item 5: An Ordinance Continuing Tent Camping at Vehicle Campsites

Home Browse Search

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, and paved and graveled surfaces. St. Vincent de Paul and City staff continue work to identify potential 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 extend the sunset date of Ordinance No. 20484, or allow the amendment to sunset on December 31, 2012. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends extending the sunset date of Ordinance No. 20484 to December 31, 2014. SUGGESTED MOTION I move to adopt Council Bill 5082 extending the sunset date of Ordinance No. 20484 to December 31, 2014. ATTACHMENTS A.Amendment to Ordinance 20484 FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Michael Wisth Telephone: 541-682-5540 Staff E-Mail: michael.c.wisth@ci.eugene.or.us S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121126\S1211265.doc