SLC.gov

The Salt Lake City Council is reviewing updates to rules about camping in public spaces, including parks, sidewalks, plazas, and streets. The goal is to make existing rules clearer, more consistent, and keep public spaces safe, accessible, and usable for everyone.

Most of these rules are already in place. The proposal expands and clarifies them, so they apply equally everywhere.

Timeline

• April 14, 2026: Council Briefing
• May 5, 2026: Public Hearing
• TBD: Council Vote

At a Glance, this Policy:

• Builds on existing rules, clarifying and expanding current code
• Applies regulations beyond parks to include sidewalks, plazas, and other public spaces
• Defines what “camping” and “living in public spaces” mean so the ordinance is clear.
• Streamlines existing code for clarity and consistency
• Does not create new criminal penalties or replace the City’s shelter and housing programs

What’s Changing?

Clear Definitions

What counts as camping?

The proposed policy clarifies what counts as camping, including sleeping outdoors or in vehicles after hours, setting up structures, or leaving belongings unattended on public property.

• Sleeping outdoors in or on public property closed to the public, or between the hours of eleven o’clock (11:00) PM and five o’clock (5:00) AM;
• Sleeping in a vehicle, including but not limited to, a recreational vehicle, travel trailer, motor coach, or motor home, in or on public property closed to the public, or between the hours of eleven o’clock (11:00) PM and five o’clock (5:00) AM;
• Leaving personal property unattended in or on public property closed to the public;
• Using a vehicle, including but not limited to a recreational vehicle, travel trailer, motor coach, or motor home, in or on public property as a residence or dwelling, whether temporary or permanent, for living accommodation purposes; or
• Using or occupying public property as a residence or dwelling, whether temporary or permanent, for living accommodation purposes.

What this Does (and Doesn’t Do)