Item O02
Sec. 17-4. - No camping on county property.
(a)Definitions.The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different
meaning:
Campor campingmeans to pitch or occupy a tent or other temporary shelter for sleeping or other
habitation purposes. Camping may include the use of camping equipment.
Camping equipmentincludes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, boxes or
cartons, and portable stoves or other cooking paraphernalia but not barbecue grills provided by the
county.
County owned propertymeans any property owned and/or managed by the board of county
commissioners, as well as property owned and/or managed in its capacity as the county comprehensive
plan land authority regardless of whether the property is located in the unincorporated portion of the
county or within the territorial limits of any municipality within the county.
Safe zonemeans a facility designated by the board and/or by the governing body of any municipality
within the county where homeless persons can engage in life sustaining activities free from the threat of
arrest.
(b)Prohibition.No person shall camp on county-owned property. The mere act of a person sleeping in a
public place is not alone sufficient to constitute a violation of this section, unless at least one indicium
of camping exists.
(1)Before making an arrest under this section, a law enforcement officer must first inquire of a
person accused of violating this section whether that person is homeless; or
(2)Before a person claiming to be homeless may be arrested under this section, a law enforcement
officer must first advise the person of the availability of a safe zone and afford the person the
option of relocation to a safe zone in lieu of arrest.
(c)Personal property.In the event a person is arrested under this section, the arresting officer shall use
reasonable efforts to identify and preserve the personal property of the person.
(d)Exceptions.This section does not apply to:
(1)Conduct prohibited by section 17-3;
(2)Any facility, site, or location designated by resolution or ordinance of the board; and
(3)The use of a beach umbrella or similar equipment used to provide temporary shade on a beach
during daytime hours of operation for that facility.
(Code 1979, § 19-102.5; Ord. No. 020-2004, § 1)
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