CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper City Council is seeking public input on a plan to tackle the growing number of people without housing in Casper. Changes have been proposed to the Casper Municipal Code about citywide camping, according to a memo prepared for City Council.
The Homeless Task Force suggested, at the Aug. 22 City Council work session, new camping rules to help police manage the issue. Their proposal brings several changes.
The proposal requires campers to get written permission from property owners before camping on their land. Camping would be limited to seven straight days or 14 days annually.
The plan also addresses camping near waterways. It bans tents within 100 feet of streams or the North Platte River unless they are within a designated campground or government-approved area.
The city’s rules on using recreational vehicles as dwellings are also up for change. The current rule allows for five days, but this would shift to match the new camping changes.
The ordinance defines camping as staying overnight or otherwise taking up residence for any length of time in an open space, tent, vehicle, or other temporary mobile or portable shelter.
Residents can voice their opinions at the Oct. 3 City Council meeting. Comments are limited to five minutes and must be respectful.
With City Hall under renovation, the council will meet at The Lyric, 230 W. Yellowstone Highway, at 6 p.m., preceded by a 5:30 p.m. pre-meeting. The meeting is public and will be streamed on the City of Casper’s YouTube channel.
The memo can be found below.
