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Clearfield council unanimously adopts ordinance banning camping on public property
Summary
Clearfield City Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2025-26, adding Chapter 7 to Title 8 to prohibit camping on city-owned public property; the measure authorizes police or designees to enforce the rule with notice, property collection following state law, and follow‑up resource offers to affected individuals.
The Clearfield City Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2025-26, amending Title 8 (Public Ways and Property) to add Chapter 7 prohibiting camping on public property.
A city staff presenter summarized the measure as a response to a citywide increase in encampments and said enforcement authority would rest with the police department or a city designee. The presenter said the ordinance is intended to be "lawful and humane," prioritizing public safety and health and "treating all individuals with dignity, fairness, and respect." The ordinance directs that the city follow state statute when collecting and releasing property found at encampment sites and requires reasonable notice before property removal. Staff also said officers will try to provide information about available resources to people encountered.
A councilmember moved to approve the ordinance and another seconded. The roll call recorded Council members Thompson, Peterson, Ratchford, Worth and Roper voting "Aye." The presiding officer declared the vote unanimous and the ordinance adopted.
What the ordinance does and next steps - Scope: Adds Chapter 7 to Title 8 of the city code to prohibit camping on public property (ordinance text on file with the city). - Enforcement: Authorizes the police department or a designated city official to enforce the prohibition, with property collection and release conducted in accordance with state statute. - Procedural safeguards: Requires reasonable notice before removal of property and states staff will refer people to available resources when possible. - Implementation: City staff were authorized to execute any necessary documents related to the ordinance.
The council approved the ordinance after a work session discussion held earlier; the meeting record shows no amendments to the ordinance during the vote. The council did not specify a delayed effective date in the meeting; staff and legal review and publication requirements described in state law will dictate the ordinance’s effective date.
