Langley city leaders decided Monday to take more time on proposed rules that would limit the length of stay for campers.

On the advice of the city planning director and Port of South Whidbey representatives, the council unanimously voted to table the ordinance that would have set a two-week limit for campers in town.

Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Curt Gordon attended the meeting to present the port district’s interest in the matter. The Island County Fairgrounds in Langley is county property managed by the Port of South Whidbey. Included is a campground area that has seen some recent changes including a fee increase and summertime hosts to serve as go-betweens for campers and port management.

One of the city’s main concerns was unkempt areas resulting from long-staying campers, some of them reportedly homeless or in transition between housing.

“My number one goal is to keep everything tidy and respectful,” said Melene Thompson, who was hired on a contract to manage the fairgrounds and campgrounds in late April.

Gordon said the port doesn’t want the fairgrounds to become a place for the homeless to camp out or transition.

“Our goal is not to provide service to the homeless,” he said, referring to the port’s focus of economic development.

His main concern with the city’s proposed two-week camping limit was that it may restrict the port’s ability to operate. He said the fairgrounds need to be flexible and for the port have the ability to dictate its own terms “to make as much as we can out of the campgrounds.”

With regard to “problem” campers, Gordon said the Langley Police Department has been helpful in enforcing the port’s policies and escorting people off the property.

The Langley City Council agreed to table the ordinance until the planner and port officials could discuss it further.