Public Property Camping Ordinance

At a glance

• What: A text amendment to Salt Lake City Code on camping on public grounds, streets, parks and playgrounds, park hours, disposing of unclaimed property and obstructing sidewalks, with an updated definition of camping, to reduce confusion and ensure proper enforcement.
• Where it stands: Public hearing held May 5, 2026 with dozens of speakers; the hearing was closed and action deferred to a future Council meeting, 7-0. Action had been tentatively planned for May 19.
• Contentious: Most speakers opposed it, especially the effect on people who sleep in vehicles.

Detail

Michael Sanders introduced the proposal. The timeline: briefing April 14, hearing date set April 21, hearing May 5, tentative action May 19, 2026.

Speakers in support or conditional support (safety, drug activity, blocked access and enforcement concerns near homes, parks, schools, shelters and senior centers, and vehicle or RV occupancy): Theresa Ashman (Liberty Wells), Quintin Noland, Stuart Wheelwright, John Gardiner, Amy Hawkins (supported the parts restricting camping near schools, shelters and senior centers), Brandee Burnam, Jeff Olson, Janet Hemming (balance of services and safety tools) and Rob Kertesz for the Downtown Community Council (conditional on services, de-escalation and safeguards against criminalizing homelessness).

Speakers in opposition made up most of the hearing. Common points: the ordinance would criminalize homelessness and poverty; vehicle habitation is a last resort for workers, youth aging out of foster care, people escaping abuse and people facing eviction; shelter access is limited, including for LGBTQ+ youth and adults; resources should go to supportive services, housing, mental health and addiction support; and sleeping in vehicles may prevent drowsy driving. Pastor Shawn Clay (Executive Director, Salt Lake City Mission) said criminalizing vehicle habitation would create barriers to housing and employment. Kseniya Kniazeva (Executive Director, Nomad Alliance) said it would eliminate the Blue Bus program, which provides showers, shelter and resources. Bernie Hart said homelessness had worsened despite years of discussion and increased police funding. Michael Croxford cited legal and policy challenges in other cities. David Iltis suggested a free RV dumping site or a City-sponsored campground. Several speakers shared their own experiences of homelessness.

Council remarks: Petro said the City had expected more partnership from state and federal entities, is not structurally designed to address homelessness alone, and wants creative solutions and additional support systems before advancing the ordinance. Wharton noted the City's limited authority under state law, said he had concerns with the ordinance and that more work was needed because current laws do not adequately protect vulnerable people from violence, trafficking and exploitation. Puy said the City remains the primary government response and cited work on affordable housing, public restrooms and sheltering, and the need for state and federal support.

Motion

Moved by Dugan, seconded by Lopez Chavez to close the public hearing and defer action to a future Council meeting. AYE: Petro, Dugan, Wharton, Puy, Young, Lopez Chavez, Carlsen. Passed 7-0.

Sources

• LBA, CRA and Council formal meeting minutes, May 5, 2026 (revised): https://slc.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument/45564
• City information page cited in the agenda: https://link.slc.gov/Camping

Log

2026-05-05 - LBA, CRA and Council Formal Meeting

Public hearing with dozens of speakers, mostly opposed; closed and action deferred 7-0.