Ordinance is effective on June 11.
GREELEY, Colo. — On June 3, Greeley City Council approved a new ordinance that limits camping on public and private property. It also limits the outdoor storage of personal items on public property. The rule is part of a larger effort to deal with concerns about safety, health hazards and damage to public spaces and buildings.
The ordinance (No. 18, 2025) bans unauthorized camping throughout the city and storing of items in public areas. Public spaces include parks, sidewalks, underpasses, and rights-of-way. The ordinance also limits camping on residential private property for more than seven days, per city code. Enforcement will focus on education, outreach and connecting people to available resources before issuing citations or taking enforcement actions.
“Our goal is to keep public spaces safe and accessible for everyone while continuing to support our residents through outreach and services,” said Greeley Police Chief Adam Turk. “This ordinance is about striking a balance. We’ve looked at how other cities across Colorado and the country are approaching these issues, and we’re working to apply those lessons here.”
Ongoing Community Impact
Over the past two years, the city has spent more than $155,000 cleaning up abandoned property, debris and trash around the city, particularly along rivers and waterways. Staff have provided over 700 hours to remove around 60 truck loads of trash from public lands. Complaints from residents, business owners, and park users about safety concerns and damage to property have also increased. Previously, a camp fire beneath a bridge cost the city nearly $100,000 to repair a girder and melted conduit.
Looking Ahead
The City of Greeley will continue a thoughtful and balanced approach as it puts the new camping rule in place. Although the ordinance takes effect June 11, the main goal is increasing public health and safety. The city will begin by educating city employees on what the ordinance is and is not. Then, they will share information with the public. The focus will be on education, awareness, and support over punitive measures.
For more information, residents can visit SpeakUpGreeley.com.
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