The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, where they approved a new ordinance that will prohibit the use of automobiles as sleeping quarters.
Roanoke County spokeswoman, Amy Whitaker, said it's not a big problem in Roanoke County, but the existing ordinance excluded people from sleeping in RVs and they wanted to amend it to include automobiles.
They said the purpose of the ordinance is to help the county intervene in cases where people are living in their automobile or using it to sleep in for a long period of time, rather than a hotel or similar accommodations. The Board also said it makes neighborhoods look bad.
"Most importantly, our concern is for the health and safety of the person living in this type of situation, particularly during the cold winter months," Whitaker said.
You will still be able to nap in your vehicle.
If you're caught living in your vehicle, you could face a $250 fine.
Enforcement of the ordinance will be complaint driven, and Whitaker said those who are in need will be provided with information on how to get help.
The ordinance goes into effect immediately.
Source: ABC-13 WSET