Parker adopts clarified camping ban, abatement policy and related floodplain code changes

Parker Town Council on Monday adopted two ordinances and a resolution that update the town code on unauthorized camping, set an official procedure for campsite abatement and personal-property storage, and align floodplain provisions with the updated camping rules.

Kelsey Hall, the towns assistant town attorney, said the changes clarify the definition of camping as “using a public place for living accommodation purposes” and add factors for officers to consider — such as repetitious or prolonged occupation, shelter or cooking devices, or storage of personal property — rather than relying on a strict night-count. Hall said the town will continue to require a 72-hour notice prior to abatement in most circumstances, but the revised language specifies situations where no notice is required, including imminent danger to life or property, criminal activity, obstruction of streets or sidewalks, public-safety events such as Parker Days, or other true emergencies.

The council also approved a town abatement policy and procedure that requires the storage, for 30 days, of what the policy calls essential personal property: items a person could carry in a container about 2 cubic feet in volume ("about the size of a backpack"), including government-issued identification, medications, glasses and certain electronic devices. Hall said the town lacks the capacity to store all property recovered from campsites and the policy sets a uniform standard for what will be retained; items that are unsafe or unsanitary as well as evidence and illegal items will be handled separately.

Parker Police Commander Joe Degenhardt told council that the department currently “still have individuals that sleep in their cars and campers,” and that staff offer services through the HEART team and Crisis Response Team (CRT) when feasible. Hall and Degenhardt said enforcement practice will continue to require offering resources to individuals experiencing homelessness before taking action, and the ordinance language gives officers discretion on next steps if services are refused.

Council members said the changes strike a balance between protecting public spaces and ensuring compassionate treatment and access to services. Council approved Ordinance 5.060.402 (amending Title 8), Resolution 25-041 (adopting the abatement policy), and Ordinance 3.372.04 (updating floodplain/sensitive lands language) on council votes recorded in the meeting.