Grand Junction, CO Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

GJMC § 12.04.080 bars camping on public property, or on other government land posting a no-camping notice, unless the owner authorizes it, a Parks Department use permit covers it, GJMC otherwise authorizes it, the camper is away from a sidewalk, street, parking strip, alley or right-of-way and no overnight shelter is available, or a formally declared emergency applies. Once an encampment is found, § 12.04.090 lets the City or its authorized agent remove it if, after reasonable notice, the occupant fails to remove personal property; the property appears abandoned or officers reasonably suspect illegal activity beyond camping is occurring; or there is imminent danger to human life, health or safety, including possible contamination by unsanitary or hazardous conditions and materials.

The companion cleanup rule, § 12.04.100, then lets the City immediately discard debris and items with no apparent utility or in an unsanitary condition, while retaining and releasing other personal property consistent with the notice given, with unclaimed property disposed of under GJMC § 2.44.020. "Reasonable notice" under § 12.04.060 means notice reasonably calculated to alert the person that camping is barred there, with at least 24 hours to gather belongings before removal. The City states in § 12.04.110 that the title is not meant to criminalize homelessness.