CASPER, Wyo. — At tonight’s Casper City Council meeting on Sept. 19, a public hearing was approved for the next regular council meeting on Oct. 3 to address the proposed amendments to the city’s camping regulations.
The suggested changes primarily focus on camping on private property within city boundaries, a response to the escalating issue of homelessness and related criminal activities, as detailed in a memo provided to the City Council.
The task force has suggested that updating the existing ordinance could empower law enforcement to more effectively address associated challenges.
The proposed amendments are:
- Camping on private property would require written permission from the property owner or their representative.
- Camping duration on private property would be capped at seven consecutive days or 14 total days per year.
- Camping within 100 feet of a stream or the North Platte River, outside of approved public campgrounds, would be prohibited.
These changes are preliminary, according to City Attorney Eric Nelson, and could see alterations before the first reading and public hearing on Oct. 3.
Some issues that are expected to be addressed before first reading are private land within 100 feet of the stream or river, and businesses such as RV campgrounds.
The City Council also intends to rectify inconsistencies in the Casper Municipal Code concerning camping within the city. This includes aligning Section 17.104.170 – Parking and Dwelling Use Restrictions – Permit with the proposed changes to Chapter 9.48.
An update is also in the cards for the City of Casper’s Parking Manual. At present, it mentions that recreational vehicles, when parked on public streets or private properties for dwelling purposes, should not exceed five days within a one-month period.
The memos for the City Council can be found below.
Due to ongoing and extensive renovations at City Hall, the City Council met in The Lyric, 230 W. Yellowstone Highway, at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was open to the public. Those interested can watch a video of the meeting on the City of Casper YouTube channel.
