A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Ashland Municipal Code, persons may sleep overnight in a vehicle in a parking lot of a religious institution or place of worship that owns or leases real property on which a structure and an associated parking lot are located; provided, that said persons have obtained the permission of the person in charge. The person in charge may not grant permission for more than three (3) vehicles used for sleeping to utilize the parking lot at any one (1) time.

B. A person in charge who allows a person or persons to sleep overnight in a vehicle on the premises pursuant to subsection A of this section shall:

C. A person in charge who permits overnight sleeping in a vehicle pursuant to subsection A of this section may revoke that permission at any time and for any reason. Any person who receives permission to sleep on a premises as provided in subsection A of this section shall leave the premises immediately after permission has been revoked.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the City Manager or the City Manager’s designee may prohibit overnight sleeping in a vehicle at a premises as provided in subsection A of this section if the City Manager or the City Manager’s designee finds that such activity on the premises constitutes a nuisance or other threat to public health, safety, or welfare.

E. In addition to any other penalties that may be imposed, any premises used for overnight sleeping in a manner not authorized by this section or other provisions of this code shall constitute a nuisance and may be abated as such.

F. Nothing in this chapter creates any duty on the part of the City, its employees, or its agents to ensure the protection of persons or property with regard to overnight sleeping in vehicles. (Ord. 3192 § 90, amended, 11/17/2020; Ord. 3171 § 1 (part), added, 02/19/2019)