Clark County, NV Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Clark County Code Chapter 12.49 (Ord. 5187)
- Camping ban
- Public rights-of-way, parks, buildings, public land
- Property hold
- Impounded property stored minimum 30 days
- Penalty
- Up to 10 days jail, $1,000 fine
- Pre-citation step
- Officer must offer shelter referral first
Summary
Clark County bans camping in rights-of-way, parks, trails, and public buildings, and lets the county impound abandoned personal property left in public places after written notice.
It is unlawful for any person to camp in the following areas, except as otherwise provided by this code or where specifically designated by the owner of such property: 1.Any public right-of-way;2.Any trail, park, or park facility;3.Any public building, publicly-owned parking lot or publicly-owned land, improved or unimproved; or4.Any public property where camping obstructs or interferes with the intended public use of the property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147).
Full Breakdown
Clark County Code Chapter 12.49, adopted by Ordinance 5187 in November 2024, prohibits camping in public rights-of-way, trails, parks, park facilities, public buildings, and any public property where it obstructs intended use. Officers must first notify violators of the violation and nearby shelter availability and direct them to relocate before citing or arresting anyone (12.49.050). Abandoned or unattended personal property in violation may be impounded after 24 hours' written notice (12.49.060-12.49.070), stored for at least 30 days, then disposed of if unclaimed. Violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 days in jail and a $1,000 fine (12.49.100).
Violations & Fines
Citation or arrest for camping in prohibited areas; misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 days jail and a $1,000 fine after officers offer shelter and a chance to relocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Clark County officers arrest someone for camping outdoors immediately?
What happens to belongings left at a cleared encampment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Nevada homelessness & encampment rules overview
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