Pitkin County adopts ordinance banning camping and overnight occupancy in public rights-of-way; vote 4–1
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Summary
Following a public hearing and debate over enforcement discretion and emergency exceptions, the board adopted an amended Title 9 that makes camping and overnight occupancy in public rights-of-way unlawful in unincorporated Pitkin County; deputies and staff said enforcement will include warnings and discretion in emergency situations.
The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 14 adopted a second-reading ordinance repealing and reenacting Title 9 to prohibit camping and overnight occupancy in public streets and rights‑of‑way in unincorporated Pitkin County.
County counsel described the update as a code cleanup and said the substantial intent is to prohibit living or sleeping in rights‑of‑way, while preserving existing parking regulations that already ban parking where not designated. "This ordinance has no effect on a vehicle that is left in the right of way for whatever reason as long as it's not being utilized for camping or overnight occupancy," the county attorney said during the hearing.
Commissioners and staff said the ordinance is aimed at long‑term occupancy and public‑safety concerns along corridors not intended for habitation. Undersheriff Alex Borchetta and other law-enforcement representatives said deputies would continue to exercise discretion in enforcement — typically warning first and reserving citations for repeated or hazardous violations — and that individuals cited may contest matters in court.
Public commenters urged the county to ensure emergency exceptions and to plan safe‑parking alternatives. Tony Kronberg and others noted the need for a Brush Creek Park‑and‑Ride management plan to allow short‑term overnight parking for travelers and those with legitimate short‑term needs.
After discussion, the board adopted the ordinance on second reading with a 4–1 roll call.
The ordinance is effective upon adoption; staff said they will harmonize lists of county roads and rights-of-way cited in code exhibits and continue to coordinate with Colorado Department of Transportation on state thoroughfares that the ordinance will cover.
Next steps: county staff will integrate the ordinance language into county code and bring forward any technical corrections to road‑mileage tables as requested during the hearing.
