Wichita |
Code of Ordinances |
Title 5. PUBLIC SAFETY AND MORALS |
Chapter 5.20. CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT |
§ 5.20.010. Preamble.
WHEREAS, the City of Wichita has an important governmental interest in ensuring the streets and public areas within the city are readily accessible and available to residents and the public at large; and
WHEREAS, the use of these areas for camping purposes interferes with the rights of others to use the areas for which they were intended; and
WHEREAS, the use of these areas for camping purposes can constitute a public health and safety hazard which adversely impacts commercial areas and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this chapter is to maintain streets, parks and other public property and areas within the City of Wichita in a clean, sanitary and accessible condition and to adequately protect the health, safety and public welfare of the community, while recognizing that, subject to reasonable conditions, camping and camping activities associated with special events can be beneficial to the cultural and educational climate in the city; and
WHEREAS, it is not the intent of the City of Wichita to punish any citizen based solely upon such citizen's status alone, but to enact an ordinance ensuring ready and equal access to public property by the community while preserving the health, safety and welfare of all citizens.
WHEREFORE, the City of Wichita enacts the ordinance codified in Sections 5.20.010 through 5.20.070 prohibiting camping upon public property within the city.
(Ord. No. 49-515, § 1, 6-18-2013)