BACKGROUND
Chapter 10.56 of the Roseville Municipal Code governs camping on private property within city limits. Under Section 10.56.020, it is unlawful to camp on private property unless the person is: (1) camping upon their own land, (2) camping with the owner of the land, or (3) camping with the written consent of the owner of the land. So long as the person camping satisfies either of these three factors, they are permitted to camp on private property and there are no specific restrictions, other than general compliance with the municipal code and any applicable state law. Additionally, there is no limitation on the duration of camping activity, meaning that someone may camp on private property (either their own property or with the consent of the property owner) for as long as they want. Camping on private property without the permission of the owner is prohibited.
During the past year, Police and Code Enforcement staff have noticed an uptick in the number of issues associated with individuals camping on private property. One of the primary issues is the creation of “encampments” on private property, where multiple individuals or groups of people are camping permanently or for long periods of time. These types of encampments often lack sanitary conditions and proper waste disposal, and also attract illicit behavior, including possession and use of controlled substances, property crimes to neighboring properties (vandalism, trespassing, theft, burglary), littering, and illegal dumping. Another issue is individuals or groups of people living in RVs, motorhomes, or trailers – often parked in driveways, backyards, or side yards of private residences. These vehicles are usually not connected to the city’s water and sewage systems, which creates issues with waste disposal and can lead to dumping into the city’s storm drain system. This type of camping can also lead to overcrowding of residential neighborhoods, parking and noise issues, neighbor disputes, and other detrimental impacts to the surrounding community.
The proposed Ordinance would amend the definition of “camping” and also place certain restrictions on camping activities on private property, including durational limits. Specifically, Section 10.56.050 is revised to clarify that occupying tents, huts, vehicles (RVs, motorhomes, and travel trailers), and other temporary shelters is considered “camping” for purposes of the Municipal Code. Section 10.56.020 is revised to limit each instance of authorized camping to a period of seventy-two (72 hours) and no more than three (3) times per calendar year. Unauthorized camping (camping on someone else’s property and without the owner’s permission) remains prohibited. Section 10.56.050 would also require that all persons camping on private property maintain sanitary conditions and proper waste disposal in compliance with state and local laws.