COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The Colorado Springs City Council could soon expand the so-called sit-lie ordinance. It’s a rule that makes it illegal to sit, lie down or kneel in front of downtown businesses. Currently, the rule applies to most of downtown and the west side of South Nevada Ave. However, the City Council could extend it to the east side of South Nevada Ave.

A company in the planned expansion area reports that in the past people have often camped on their doorstep. Diamond Barber Company has only been around for less than two years. While they’ve worked to attract people to their company, they’ve also dealt with people outside their doors.

“It’s been tough because it’s a little extra step we have to take,” shared owner David Kilburn.

That’s one reason the city could expand the ordinance to include businesses on the east side of Southern Nevada like Kilburn’s.

“I think that’s a good thing. It’s a step in the right direction. Hopefully it will happen soon,” Kilburn said.

If approved, this would mean a warning to people sitting, kneeling or lying in front of commercial areas (i.e. businesses). If the person violating these rules stays, they will receive a ticket. Proponents of the ordinance say the tickets would help direct homeless people to resources, but one homeless man says a ticket is the last thing he needs.

“Anything that gets us a ticket and puts us in jail or in court is something we don’t want,” said Louis David Acker.

Louis Acker has been homeless for years and says a ticket is another obstacle to him finding a permanent home.

“It always puts you behind. “You can’t move forward,” explained Acker.

The ordinance would come into effect daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday evenings, opening hours would be extended from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m

PAST REPORTING: Colorado Springs City Council approves expansion of sit-lie ordinance

The city council will vote on this at an upcoming meeting. They have yet to confirm when that will be.

If you are someone without shelter, the Springs Rescue Mission is located at 5 W Las Vegas St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. It is close to the planned expansion and its doors are always open, they say.