Downtown Columbia leaders request research into potential ‘urban camping’ ordinance

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Leaders and businesses with Columbia's Downtown District requested research on a potential "urban camping" ordinance to be conducted by the city.

At Monday's City Council meeting, a letter in support of a possible ordinance signed by now nearly 80 downtown business owners, organizations and University of Missouri System President Mun Choi was submitted to council members by the Downtown Community Improvement District.

CID Executive Director Nickie Davis said on Monday that she wants the ordinance to be finalized in a year if possible, with the research completed in the next six months.

"It's not just about getting people to move along. It's about getting people into programs or housing or somewhere that's a little safer than a 95-degree sidewalk," Davis said.

About 20 community members also attended the meeting and stood up in support of the proposed ordinance.

Columbia already has an ordinance in its city code that restricts anyone from blocking and limiting travel on any street, alley or sidewalk without a parade permit. Violators face a misdemeanor.

Leaders with the downtown district said during the meeting's public comment portion that the ordinance would help establish clear standards for enforcement and outreach. They also claim it would ensure consistency for city staff, outreach workers, businesses and residents.

A previous version of the letter in July claimed existing ordinances are “broad, and difficult to locate or interpret,” which the District claimed “creates confusion for residents, businesses, law enforcement, outreach providers, and individuals seeking services.”

Davis wants a three-tier educational type of approach put into place to address violations. 

"The first one is kind of a, 'Hey, did you know that this is not okay in this area? Do you know why?Here's why'," Davis said. "At the end of it, if people continue to not follow, whatever ordinance it is that they can then either be hopefully sent to the opportunity to campus, but if not something else."

City leaders did not immediately respond or comment back to the district's request at Monday's meeting.