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Sparks expands camping prohibition to parks, Sparks Marina and Victorian Square; council emphasizes services-first approach
Summary
Council amended Sparks Municipal Code chapter 9.48 to prohibit camping in specified public spaces and broadened the definition of camping to include occupying a location for more than six hours; council stressed connecting people to services while enforcing public-safety standards.
The Sparks City Council unanimously adopted an amendment to chapter 9.48 of the Sparks Municipal Code on July 6 that expands the city’s camping prohibition to include the Sparks Marina shoreline and walking path, Victorian Square, city parks, playgrounds and city-owned parking structures and changes the definition of camping to cover presence exceeding six hours day or night.
Police Chief Chris Crawford and City Attorney Wes Duncan presented the ordinance package and said the changes respond to complaints from residents and businesses, observed public-health and safety issues, and locations where encampments had recently appeared. The chief and city attorney emphasized that the city will continue a “services-first” approach via the HOPE team — outreach workers who connect unhoused individuals to services — and that enforcement is intended where public health or safety or access to public spaces are affected.
The ordinance adds the Sparks Marina shoreline, public beaches, adjacent walking paths and playgrounds, Victorian Square corridor and city-owned parking structures to the list of prohibited places. The council also approved language that treats occupying a location for more than six hours as camping, a change staff said was needed to address people repeatedly occupying public places for extended periods and moving temporarily to avoid enforcement.
City Attorney Duncan cited a 2024 Nevada Supreme Court decision as clarifying local authority to enforce laws that protect public health and safety; the ordinance is intended to give the HOPE team and enforcement partners clearer tools while preserving outreach and services. Council members praised the HOPE team’s work during public comment and asked for follow-up on available services and capacity; Chief Crawford offered to meet with a member of the public after the hearing to discuss staffing and operations.
The council adopted the ordinance (Bill 2834) after a public hearing that included one question about enforcement capacity; the clerk’s office will post the public-record comments. The ordinance becomes effective upon passage and approval.
