MISSOULA, Mont. – Missoula city council approves an amendment to the urban camping ordinance that bans homeless encampments from all city parks and makes violations a misdemeanor offense. City council voted 9-3 in favor of the proposed amendment after a nearly 6-hour public hearing on December 2, 2024. This amendment is coming after the urban camping ordinance was implemented on July 25.
The urban camping ordinance originally allowed encampments in most of Missoula parks from 8pm-8am, but now there is no camping allowed in any of the parks. In the new amendment, violations for illegally camping are now increased form a municipal infraction to now misdemeanor offense with a $50 fine.
Also under the new amendment, first time violators are not required to be given a written warning by law enforcement. People will also be allowed to camp on city property outside of buffer zones (not in parks) from November 1st to March 1st from 6pm-8am.
City Council passed an additional ordinance amendment proposed by Councilwomen Becerra, Savage, and Farmer. The passed amendment as follows:
“The City may work with willing service providers and partners to (1) provide lockers/small storage spaces that may be assigned to such individuals; (2) provide for trash collection services in areas used by such individuals; (3) provide for permanent or temporary bathrooms for use by such individuals; and (4) coordinate with service providers other similar services or support to allow clean, safe, and sanitary camping on City property.”
The city will also distribute a resource guide that details where urban campers can find trash disposals, storage facilities, sharps disposals, and public facilities.
Councilman Carlino proposed nine amendments for the ordinance but all of them failed to pass.
To see the full action summary and the entirety of the passed amendments, please go to the City of Missoula Website
