South Jordan, UT Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- Camping/sleeping overnight on public property
- Citation
- South Jordan City Code § 8.40.020
- Penalty
- Infraction (§ 8.40.030)
- Exception
- City-designated camping areas only
- Adopted
- Ordinance 2018-05
Summary
South Jordan makes it unlawful to camp or sleep overnight on any public property -- streets, parks, sidewalks, and city-owned land -- unless the area is specifically designated for camping or the property owner gives written permission.
CAMP: The use of public property as a temporary or permanent dwelling, lodging, residence, living accommodation, or sleeping accommodation. "Camp" includes, without limitation, the storage of personal belongings or the laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping.
PUBLIC PROPERTY: All real property owned, leased or occupied by the City; all real property in which the City has a possessory interest; any easement on real property granted to the City for public purposes, including, without limitation, public streets, parks, alleys, sidewalks, flood control channels; and any other real property within the City owned, leased, or occupied by any governmental entity.
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2018-05 ARCHIVED on 5/1/2018 8.40.020: CAMPING PROHIBITED It is unlawful for any person to camp or remain overnight on any public property except: In areas specifically designated and set apart for that purpose; or With the express written permission of the property owner. HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 2018-05 ARCHIVED on 5/1/2018
Full Breakdown
South Jordan City Code § 8.40.020 makes it unlawful to camp or remain overnight on public property citywide. "Camp" is defined broadly at § 8.40.010 to include using public property as a dwelling, lodging, or sleeping accommodation, storing personal belongings there, or laying down bedding to sleep. Public property covers city-owned or leased land, easements granted for public purposes such as streets, parks, alleys, sidewalks, and flood-control channels, and any other governmental real property within the city. The only exceptions are areas the City specifically designates and sets apart for camping, or a spot where the private property owner gives express written permission. A violation is an infraction under § 8.40.030.
Violations & Fines
Camping or sleeping overnight on public property without a designated area or written owner permission is an infraction under § 8.40.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public camping illegal in South Jordan?
What counts as "camping" under the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Jordan
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