REDMOND, OR -- Redmond’s City Council holds a public hearing Tuesday on Time, Place and Manner (TPM) restrictions for unsanctioned camping on public property. City Attorney Keith Leitz tells KBND News Council is discussing a draft of the new code, "This is something we’ve been working on behind the scenes for probably close to a year, and we’ll continue to work on as we go forward. Now was just the point at which we felt it was important to actually bring it to Council and bring it to the public."

The meeting comes two months after Bend finalized its unsanctioned camping code. Letiz admits Redmond is moving more slowly, but says it's a discussion that must happen, "All cities in Oregon, basically as a result of House Bill 3115, should be taking a look at their regulations around camping, sleeping, lying, sitting, keeping dry and warm. We started that conversation internally last year, and now we’re just moving it into the public sphere." He says under state law, without TPM guidelines, the city would not be allowed to manage camping on public property, like in parks and on sidewalks, which could lead to larger public health concerns. 

Among other restrictions, Redmond's draft includes prohibiting sleeping or leaving camping paraphernalia on public property between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. It also bans camping on City Hall property, inside the Central Business District and near schools. Campers also would not be allowed to block access on sidewalks.

Leitz says a violation could lead to a citation and fines, "And that’s where it differs from a criminal sanction." KBND News asked how fines will be collected from people who can't afford to pay. Leitz responded, "Yeah, I get what you’re saying. We’re just limited on the tools we have for enforcement. And really, the enforcement to me is kind of the bottom rung of how we address homelessness. Putting TPMs in place won’t build a home. But it’s one of the many tools that we have to put in place."

Tuesday's Redmond City Council meeting starts at 6 p.m.