LaFayette adopts homeless ordinances
Council adopts ‘Urban Camping and Improper Use of Public Places’ and ‘Prohibited Solicitation’ regulations
The LaFayette City Council, during is February meeting, approved two ordinances related to the homeless.
The first ordinance, titled “Urban Camping and Improper Use of Public Places,” focuses on where the homeless can and cannot be and what they can do there.
The second ordinance, titled “Prohibited Solicitation,” addresses and estab- lishes guidelines for where and how individuals, homeless or not, can and specifically cannot solicit or “request an immediate donation of money or other things of value from another person … .”
According to Mayor Andy Arnold and council members, the specific intent of both ordinances is to ensure the safety of LaFayette residents, young and old, especially in public places such as parks, playgrounds, on streets, sidewalks, parking lots, bridges, and so on.
It was noted by several council members during February’s meeting that residents had told council members they were sometimes afraid and even intimidated by the presence and actions of some of the homeless in these public places.
Another major issue and concern pointed out during the February discussion was that a homeless person and his possessions such as a backpack, bedroll, sleeping bag, tent, etc., become an “eyesore” on public property such as on the street or bench or set up in a public park. Council member Chris Davis, a local real estate agent, further noted that such homeless camps, either of one homeless person or several, also would have a negative effect on property value and local business.
‘Urban Camping’ ordinance The ordinance amended Chapter 15 of the LaFayette city code, offenses and miscellaneous provisions, by adding to Article I, Section 15-12 “Urban camping and improper use of public places,” which declares: