Paxton, Hilbert and other Republican officials warn temporary encampments on residential property would threaten neighborhood safety and quality of life.
NORMAN — Republican legislative leaders and local elected officials are urging Norman city leaders to reject a proposed ordinance they say would allow temporary homeless encampments on residential property, setting up a new political battle over how the city addresses homelessness.
The Norman City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposal Tuesday. According to city documents, the ordinance would create a permit process allowing property owners to host temporary homeless encampments on private property for up to 90 days, with an option to renew the permit for an additional 90 days.
The proposal drew immediate criticism Monday from Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, who warned the ordinance could fundamentally alter residential neighborhoods and create public safety concerns.
“We cannot allow any city in Oklahoma to become Portland or Los Angeles, let alone the city that is home to our state’s flagship university in the University of Oklahoma,” said Paxton, R-Tuttle.
Paxton said homelessness remains a serious issue but argued cities should focus on connecting individuals with housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment and other resources rather than permitting encampments in residential areas.
“Residents have a reasonable expectation that their neighborhoods will remain safe, clean and suitable places to raise their families,” Paxton said. “The prospect of temporary encampments being established in residential areas raises serious concerns about public safety, sanitation, increased calls for law enforcement and emergency services, and the overall quality of life for surrounding homeowners.”
Paxton also argued the proposal places the interests of a few property owners above the concerns of surrounding neighborhoods and could expose the city to legal liability and disputes between residents.
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert joined a group of local and state officials in condemning the proposal, including Rep. Danny Sterling, Rep. Jonathan Wilk, Sen. Lisa Standridge and Cleveland County Commissioner Jacob McHughes.
In a joint statement, the officials argued the ordinance would suspend existing zoning restrictions and allow residents to obtain permits for homeless individuals to camp on residential property.
“Imagine purchasing your forever home to raise your children, only to find tents housing homeless individuals appearing in neighboring front yards,” the statement said. “The neighborhood you invested in is fundamentally changed, property values significantly decline and families are left with few options.”
The officials also argued the proposal could affect Norman’s image as home to the University of Oklahoma and warned that policies encouraging encampments have failed in other cities.
“Oklahomans are generous and want to help people facing difficult circumstances, but if the residents of Norman and students of the University of Oklahoma wanted to experiment with failed policies disguised as compassion, they would move to Austin, Texas,” the statement said.
The debate comes just weeks after a state-led operation cleared a large homeless encampment on state-owned property near Norman, displacing dozens of unhoused residents and intensifying discussions about long-term solutions for homelessness in the city.
Norman has spent several years exploring shelter options and other responses to homelessness as local officials and service providers grapple with growing demand for housing and support services.
The proposed ordinance is listed for discussion during the Norman City Council meeting Tuesday evening.
