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Pitkin County commissioners approve first reading of ordinance banning overnight camping in public rights of way
Summary
On Dec. 17 the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners approved on first reading an ordinance that would prohibit camping and overnight occupancy on public streets, roads and rights of way in unincorporated Pitkin County, creating a graduated civil-penalty structure; it passed 3–1 and returns for public hearing and a confirmatory reading on Jan. 14.
Pitkin County commissioners on Dec. 17 approved on first reading an ordinance that would ban camping or overnight occupancy on public streets, roads and public rights of way in unincorporated Pitkin County.
County Attorney Ryan Neil told the board the draft targets camping and occupancy of rights of way, not ordinary traffic regulations, and applies countywide — including state streets that run through unincorporated areas. The ordinance would impose civil penalties that escalate with repeated violations: $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third (the current statutory maximum). After three unpaid violations the sheriff’s office would be authorized to remove a vehicle used for camping from the right of way.
Sheriff Buglione said deputies would continue to use discretion and typically warn people before issuing fines, and that enforcement is intended to address public-safety problems such as human waste, litter and wildfire risk when camping is unregulated. "We won't be ticketing hikers," he said, adding deputies generally warn and try to contact owners before escalating enforcement.
Several commissioners framed the proposal as preventive: Commissioner Patty said the measure is a first step to address congestion and safety at trailheads and other right-of-way locations and to preserve public access. Commissioner Francie opposed the ordinance on principle, saying she worried it could disproportionately affect people experiencing poverty or create arbitrary enforcement: "I don't think we're at a point where we need to start fining people," she said. The board held that adding an explicit warning-or-education practice and continued use of deputy discretion would be part of implementation.
The board directed staff to notify the Colorado Department of Transportation as a courtesy, and to continue work on a broader parking-and-camping management plan that could identify designated safe-parking or short-term options. The ordinance will be presented for a public hearing and confirmatory reading at the board's Jan. 14 meeting.
What happens next: The ordinance returns for a public hearing and final vote on Jan. 14. If adopted, enforcement details such as warning procedures, signage and coordination with county road and public-works staff will be refined by staff and the sheriff’s office.
