Camping and obstructing public property ordinance
A proposed rewrite of city code on camping on public grounds, streets, parks and playgrounds, park hours, unclaimed property and sidewalk obstruction, with an updated definition of camping that covers overnight vehicle camping. After a long May 5, 2026 hearing with about 80 commenters, the council deferred action.
Tabled
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide
- Applicant
- Salt Lake City
- City Council: Camping or obstructing public property and park rules text amendment
- City Council: Consent agenda: hearing dates set
- City Council work session: Camping and obstructing public property, and park rules text amendment
In brief
Camping and obstructing public property ordinance appears on 3 recorded agendas, from the City Council work session meeting of April 14, 2026 to the City Council meeting of May 5, 2026.
On record, it was continued once.
The most recent decision was continued (7-0) at the City Council meeting of May 5, 2026.
A motion at the City Council meeting of April 21, 2026 set a hearing date; it did not decide the application.
Follow the money and project delivery
Camping and obstructing public property ordinance
- Council action
No approval or denial linked in the records collected.
- Money in the record
No itemized amount linked in the records collected.
- Signed agreement and payments
Execution and project-level disbursements are not verified by this tracker. They require separate records; meeting approval alone does not establish either.
- Work and operating costs
Check the linked records for completion and recurring operating costs; this tracker does not verify them. Record →
Every hearing and vote
May 5, 2026 · City Council
Camping or obstructing public property and park rules text amendment
Continued · 7-0
The hearing drew roughly 80 commenters, most of whom opposed the ordinance, saying it would criminalize homelessness, remove vehicle habitation as a last-resort shelter, and burden people with limited housing options; several suggested safe parking, housing, supportive services or a city campground instead. Supporters, including residents and a downtown community council representative, cited safety, drug activity, blocked access and encampments near homes, schools and parks; the downtown council representative supported it conditionally if enforcement includes services and safeguards. Council Member Petro wanted creative solutions and added supports before advancing the ordinance. Council Member Wharton voiced concerns and said more work was needed on protecting vulnerable people from violence and trafficking. Council Member Puy said the city is the primary government response to homelessness and that more state and federal help is needed. The council closed the hearing and deferred action.
April 21, 2026 · City Council
Consent agenda: hearing dates set
Approved · 5-0
The council approved eight consent items setting public hearings: May 19 for the FY 2026-27 city and library budgets, elected and executive officer compensation, and the Mountain View Corridor parcel conveyance; and May 5 for the camping and park rules amendment, the 800 East and 400 South master plan and zoning change, the Fortune Road vacation, the Mansell Manor rezone, and an honorary renaming of part of 500 South as Dolores Huerta Boulevard.
April 14, 2026 · City Council work session
Camping and obstructing public property, and park rules text amendment
Discussed
Andrew Johnston, the city's homelessness policy director, presented an updated definition of camping and consolidated rules on camping on public grounds, streets, parks and playgrounds, park hours, unclaimed property and sidewalk obstruction, including overnight vehicle camping. Police Commander Jared Gilbert was available for questions. Council members discussed enforcement criteria, exceptions such as parade routes, alternative response teams, shelter and outreach options, and success measures such as response times and connections to services. Some members raised concern that enforcement might move encampments rather than resolve homelessness and about criminalizing homelessness; staff said the ordinance addresses vehicle camping and aims for consistent enforcement. Council Member Young asked for a future discussion on how success measures would be shared with residents.
- Public hearing tentatively May 5; council action tentatively May 19