Longmont City Council has updated the city’s definition of camping to include all public and private property without consent.
The second reading of an ordinance amending the code passed unanimously Tuesday without discussion.
The previous ordinance only prohibited camping on public lands, while the update prohibits camping or lodging on all city-owned property or private property without consent.
The ordinance as drafted defines camping as temporarily residing or dwelling in a place by using or erecting a shelter, other than park-provided shelters during the day, and conducting daily living activities there. It does not include napping or picnicking for up to two hours.
Camping does not include people using blankets or sleeping bags, but does prohibit the erection of tents.
As proposed by the ordinance, if a person is found camping where they should not, individuals are informed of the violation, required to cease and provided with resources to assist them in finding services and a place to stay.
If the person has a large amount of personal property, it is tagged to notify them that they have 48 hours to remove their property before it is removed. The tag has written information on services and where to retrieve abandoned property deemed to be of value.
“The fundamental aim of the proposed ordinance continues to focus on the city's ability to maintain the safety, cleanliness and accessibility of parks, trails and open space properties while providing support and assistance to individuals who need it,” staff said in a memo.
The ordinance would not be enforced if there are no shelter beds available.
