Twin Falls, ID Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

The camping rule is part of the Twin Falls park ordinance, Title 8 Chapter 3 of the City Code. Section 8-3-6(F) opens: no camping without the director's prior permission, and permission is limited to organized groups given a designated area. It then defines camping in four parts. Using city parks or public spaces for living accommodations or habitation through temporary or permanent structures, equipment or facilities counts. So does erecting, maintaining or occupying any structure, tent, shelter, vehicle or other enclosure as a dwelling or sleeping quarters; setting up beds, mattresses or sleeping bags or cooking meals consistent with prolonged occupation; and sleeping or remaining in parks or public spaces when they are ordinarily closed, or leaving personal belongings unattended for extended periods, suggesting habitation. Officially sanctioned events permitted by the city are excepted.

Parks are open every day from 6:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. except as otherwise posted, and the director can close any section of a park under section 8-3-9. Section 8-3-4(B) bars leaving refuse or trash in a park.

Enforcement tools are printed in section 8-3-11. Police officers, the director and park attendants can eject a violator. A person not ejected in the previous 365 days must leave and stay out for one week; a person ejected within the previous 365 days is served a no trespass order for one year. An ejection can be appealed in writing to the city manager within seven days. Police can seize property used in a violation, and an unattended vehicle parked in violation can be removed to the nearest garage or place of safety. The camping section does not print a posted-notice period or a storage procedure for belongings.

Outside parks, section 6-14-2 bars assembly in a public space that creates a hazardous condition, leaves excess garbage or debris, or blocks sidewalks with chairs, tables or other obstacles.