Mayor Ralph proposed four ordinances aimed at improving the safety and quality of life in our Kent community. Since their proposal, the Kent City Council has unanimously approved the ordinances.

• Ordinance 4442: Prohibiting the Unlawful Use of Dangerous Drugs in Public

This ordinance makes it a criminal offense to both use controlled substances in public, and deposit controlled substances and drug paraphernalia into our environment.  This ordinance will allow the City to intervene in an individual’s use of dangerous drugs, and through our courts, connect individuals to treatment services. 

• Ordinance 4440: Restricting the Sale of Aerosol Paint Containers

In an attempt to decrease graffiti, this ordinance makes it unlawful to sell spray paint to a minor.  In order to prevent spray paint theft, it will require retail sellers of spray paint to secure the paint behind a counter or under lock and key by April 5, 2023. 

•  Ordinance 4441: Prohibiting Solicitation of Occupants of Vehicles

This ordinance makes it unlawful for individuals to enter an arterial roadway to solicit from vehicles.  These ordinances went into effect on October 6.

• Ordinance 4443: Camping on Public Property

This ordinance balances the needs of individuals who are experiencing homelessness, with the requirement of the City to preserve the investments it has made to parks, streets, sidewalks, economic development resources, to ensure those investments are available to the public as intended.  

You can view the complete Kent City Code here.