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Saltville adopts ordinance banning camping on public property except in designated areas
Summary
Council adopted Chapter 29, Sec. 29-41 to prohibit camping on town-owned property outside designated sites, citing safety concerns on the Salt Trail; David Huff raised questions about where homeless residents would go and what services the town offers.
The Saltville Town Council voted unanimously June 10 to adopt an ordinance prohibiting camping on public property except in designated areas.
Councilman Ryan Comer explained the ordinance grew from safety concerns and police responses to activities on the Salt Trail and said the town will identify and maintain designated camping locations. David Huff, speaking during the public hearing, questioned how the town would determine whether someone is homeless and what assistance would be available, asking, “how anyone decides if they are homeless, that we don't know their situation.” Comer responded that the town does not want to eliminate camping generally and assured residents that there would be "plenty of spots that would be designated for use by the Town of Saltville."
The adopted ordinance (Chapter 29, Sec. 29-41) defines "camping" and sets a penalty for violations; it also allows written exceptions authorized by the town manager for special events or permitted activities. The council recorded the vote and declared the ordinance effective immediately.
