Chapter 12 · Public Property
Article 4. Camping and Sleeping
12-401 Definitions.
(a)As used in this article:
(1)Camp or Camping — means using property for living accommodation purposes, including but not limited to: sleeping or preparing to sleep, storing camping-related personal property (sleeping bags, tents, cookware, etc.), cooking meals, or occupying vehicles or structures for shelter.
(2)Public Property — means property owned, leased, or controlled by the City or any other governmental entity, including streets, sidewalks, parks, rights-of-way, parking lots, and public buildings.
(3)Private Property — means property not owned or managed by a government entity.
(4)Public Right-of-Way — means any area dedicated for public vehicular or pedestrian traffic, including curbs, parkways, sidewalks, and easements.
(5)Temporarily Camp — means camping for no more than 72 consecutive hours with authorization.
(6)Personal Property — includes all tangible items such as tents, sleeping materials, bags, containers, furniture, and any item typically associated with overnight camping or sleeping outdoors.
(Ord. 25-05)
12-402 Unlawful camping on public property.
(a)It is unlawful for any person to camp on public property or public rights-of-way unless authorized by permit under Section 12-406.
(b)A person found camping shall be given 24 hours’ notice to vacate and remove personal property unless the person is in a restricted area (see Section 12-403) requiring immediate removal.
(c)A person may not be cited under this section unless the person has first received a written warning from law enforcement.
(Ord. 25-05)
12-403 Immediate removal locations.
(a)Camping and associated personal property may be removed without prior notice in the following locations:
(1)Under or within 50 feet of bridges, overpasses, or major roadways;
(2)Within 500 feet of schools, daycares, or playgrounds;
(3)Within 20 feet of public or private doorways, fire escapes, or loading docks;
(4)Within designated flood control areas or stormwater systems;
(5)Inside or within 100 feet of park shelters, restrooms, or community centers;
(6)Any area deemed by public safety officials to pose an immediate health or safety risk.
(Ord. 25-05)
12-404 Camping on private property.
(a)It is unlawful to camp on private property without the written consent of the owner or lawful occupant.
(b)Consent must include the name and contact information of the person granting permission and must be made available to law enforcement upon request.
(c)Unauthorized camping on vacant or abandoned structures (barns, garages, trailers, etc.) is prohibited.
(d)Camping in vehicles or trailers is only allowed:
(1)With written permission of the property owner; or
(2)On commercial property where overnight parking is posted as allowed; or
(3)In licensed RV parks or locations with City-issued permits.
(Ord. 25-05)
12-405 Impoundment of personal property.
(a)Personal property not removed after notice may be impounded.
(b)Property posing a health or safety risk (e.g., contaminated, blocking access) may be removed immediately without notice.
(c)The City shall retain impounded property for 30 days and provide notice regarding its retrieval, with reasonable proof of ownership required.
(Ord. 25-05)
12-406 Temporary camping permits.
(a)The City Administrator or designee may issue temporary camping permits for special events or designated public activities. Criteria for approval shall include:
(1)Public health and safety considerations.
(2)Duration and size of the event.
(3)Clean-up and sanitation plan.
(4)Permits may be revoked for violation of terms or health and safety concerns.
(Ord. 25-05)
12-407 Penalties.
(a)A person violating this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $200 or jailed for up to 30 days, or both.
(b)If the person is found to be indigent, the municipal court may allow public service in lieu of fines and cost.
(Ord. 25-05)
12-408 Enforcement.
The South Hutchinson Police Department and other authorized personnel may enforce this article.
(Ord. 25-05)