Nye County commissioners adopt Pahrump ordinance restricting camping in public places after heated public comment

The Nye County Board of County Commissioners acting as the governing body of the unincorporated Town of Pahrump voted 5‑0 on May 6 to adopt Pahrump Bill 2025‑01, an ordinance that bans camping and placing personal property in public places, and establishes enforcement procedures and penalties. The board approved the ordinance after several edits requested during debate and extensive public comment from residents for and against the measure.

Supporters on the dais said the measure is intended to give law enforcement a clear tool to remove tents, encampments and other personal property that obstructs sidewalks, public rights of way or public buildings. Commissioner Ian Bain (speaking for the item on the record) said the ordinance is part of “our overall effort to stop homeless crime” and to allow municipal crews to clean up camp sites and garbage in public areas.

Opponents and several public commenters urged a different approach. Multiple speakers said the county should invest more in outreach, housing supports and services before using punitive enforcement. Public commenters who identified themselves as advocates, service providers and residents described concerns about veterans, people with mental- health needs, and the difficulty people experiencing homelessness…