FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2024

Camping on Public Property Update

Morgantown, W.Va. – During a regular meeting on Sept. 3, 2024, to further promote community safety, Morgantown City Council voted 4 to 3 to adopt a new ordinance that will make camping on public property unlawful. This decision reflects the city’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of our public property areas.

The new article of city code entitled, Camping on Public Property, strives to address various public health and human resource concerns, while providing supportive solutions for citizens who are in violation of this ordinance.  Moreover, individuals found camping on public property without consent from the city will be subject to a fair removal process. This ordinance also gives law enforcement the ability to issue warnings, citations, and arrests based on how many violations any person commits. 

“We believe this ordinance will support the City of Morgantown’s belief that all residents should have permanent housing,” explained City Manager, Kim Haws. “Enforcing this ordinance doesn’t mean that we are being insensitive to a person’s housing instability. Instead, we hope to use this policy as a tool to connect campers to services or organizations that can help them get off the streets and better their lives.”

The City of Morgantown recognizes that many of its citizens struggle with homelessness and substance use disorders. While the city plans to enforce this ordinance, it will approach each situation with compassion and care, giving camping violators every available chance to engage various services that will address their specific needs before any legal action takes place. 

As stated in the new ordinance, no citations or criminal penalties will be imposed unless a person in violation has been offered alternative shelter and refused the offer. Treatment options for substance abuse or mental health care will be provided as well.

Another goal of this new ordinance is to further support already adopted Morgantown Police Department General Order No. 339, entitled Transient/Outdoor Encampment, which intends to “lessen the adverse conditions affecting homeless individuals while also recognizing the interests of businesses, private property owners and all residents and visitors to the City of Morgantown.”

“We have policies in place that direct officials to give ample notice to anyone required to vacate campsites on public property,” explained Haws. “We strive to be fair and just by giving individuals more than enough time to gather their belongings and connect with service providers. Our officers and full-time social worker are always willing to link residents seeking help or living outside with the appropriate care.”

The Police Social Worker (PSW) is a non-sworn, full-time civilian member of the Morgantown Police Department. The PSW provides direct services to the community to incorporate advocacy, crisis intervention, referrals, community education, victim services, and more.

The City of Morgantown takes great pride in serving its citizens.

“We respect the rights of our property owners and the wonderful opportunities our public recreation spaces offer our guests, friends and families,” said Haws. “The safety of our citizens is our top priority for both sheltered and unsheltered residents.”

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