TOPEKA (KSNT) - City leaders are due to meet again in early 2025 to discuss an update to Topeka's camping ordinance which impacts the local homeless population.
27 News checked out agenda documents for the upcoming Topeka City Council meeting set to happen on Jan. 7, 2025. Councilmembers will discuss a non-action item during this meeting impacting sections 9.45.350 and 9.45.360 of the Topeka Municipal Code. These sections of the code concern camping prohibitions in the city which primarily impact the growing homeless population.
If the Topeka City Council approves of the amendments, it will expand the definition of public infrastructure and clarify the specifications for camping on private property. This includes changing the definition of "camp" to exclude camping at camping sites for recreational vehicles, travel trailers, campers or tents. The term "Public Infrastructure" would also be changed to bring it in line with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) language.
People trying to camp in Topeka would also be impacted by two other amendments to language in existing ordinances if these changes are eventually approved. These include adding in "within 100 feet instead of 500 feet of any Public Infrastructure" and "camping is illegal on private property (except by the owner on record or lawful tenant) exceeding 10 days within a six-month period."
The Topeka City Council agenda lists an impact of $12,000 coming from the city's operational budget. The cost will come from 20 known camps in the city which will need to be cleared with the approval of the amendments.
Topeka's most recent count of the homeless population in August 2024 found more than 540 people are experiencing homelessness in the city. The homeless population has experienced steady growth over the past few years, with 365 people in 2022 and 412 in 2023.
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