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Carson City adopts ordinance on unauthorized sleeping and camping in public places on second reading
Summary
On a unanimous vote, the Board adopted Bill 101 on second reading, creating penalties and removal authority related to unauthorized sleeping or camping in public spaces while preserving discretion noted in staff analysis and district attorney review.
Carson City’s Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted on second reading Bill 101, an ordinance that expands the city’s authority to prohibit unauthorized sleeping or camping in public places and establishes procedures for removal of persons and personal property under certain circumstances.
District Attorney Dan Pruitt addressed the board and said recent federal litigation in Oregon (Grants Pass) did not alter the ordinance language before the city; the Grants Pass case involves different statutory frameworks and the city’s ordinance aligns with Nevada law. “I had received some questions…It does not affect the ordinance that we have before this body,” Pruitt said.
Public comment emphasized humane application of the ordinance and careful discretionary enforcement. Resident Denny French thanked staff and noted concerns about vagueness but acknowledged the inclusion of discretionary considerations for law enforcement and park staff.
Supervisor Horton moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading; the motion passed unanimously. The ordinance makes conforming changes to disorderly-conduct and camping provisions and authorizes staff and law enforcement to remove persons or items under specified conditions. The district attorney’s office said no further substantive edits were required and staff will implement the ordinance consistent with state law and internal policies.
Ending: The ordinance is enacted; staff and the Sheriff’s Office will continue to apply the law with the discretionary practices discussed at the meeting and will follow up with any implementation questions.
