Denver, CO Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibits
- Camping on public or private property without authorization
- Enforced by
- Denver Police Dept., after two warnings
- Required step
- Attempted contact with human services outreach worker
- "Camp" includes
- Sleeping, eating, or storing belongings under shelter
Summary
Denver's urban camping ban makes it unlawful to camp on public or private property without authorization, covering both sidewalks and parks and unpermitted private lots.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to camp upon any private property without the express written consent of the property owner or the owner's agent, and only in such locations where camping may be conducted in accordance with any other applicable city law. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to camp upon any public property except in any location where camping has been expressly allowed by the officer or agency having the control, management and supervision of the public property in question.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 38-86.2 bars camping on private property without the owner's express written consent, and on public property unless the agency controlling that property has expressly allowed it. "Camp" is defined broadly to include sleeping, eating, or storing personal belongings under any tent, tarp, sleeping bag, or other shelter besides clothing. Before citing or arresting anyone, an officer must first give an oral warning, then a written warning, and must try to connect the person with a designated human services outreach worker to assess needs like shelter, mental health, or substance-treatment services.
Violations & Fines
Violations are enforced only after a two-step officer warning (oral, then written) and an attempted outreach-worker contact; citation or arrest can follow if the person still fails to comply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp on a Denver sidewalk or in a park?
Will I be arrested immediately for camping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado homelessness & encampment rules overview
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