Parker, CO Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Section 8.07.100 defines camp broadly, covering prolonged or repetitious use of a public place, sleeping or preparing to sleep with bedding or a sleeping bag, occupying an outdoor shelter, using a campfire or heating device, or storing property beyond incidental personal items, while expressly excluding incidental napping or picnicking. It is unlawful to camp on any public place without Town authorization, and separately unlawful to store property there. Before enforcing, an officer must orally request the person stop, then, if noncompliant, tender a written warning, and must also attempt to determine whether the person needs medical or human-services assistance, contacting a designated outreach worker where warranted; only after those steps, or if the person refuses offered services, may the officer cite or arrest.

For cleanup, the Town must post notice at least 72 hours before a planned abatement, after which removed property is stored for 30 days and returned on request, except items believed to be marijuana or natural medicine, which the Parker Police Department disposes of under its own policies. No notice is required for a high-risk area, defined to include sites with a death or serious injury, ongoing criminal activity, a fire response, rodent infestation, human fecal matter, hypodermic needles, unauthorized electrical or utility connections, blocked emergency access, or a public health order violation.

The Town Manager must develop a storage policy approved by Town Council resolution, and unclaimed property is disposed of by the Chief of Police after the 30-day period.