Chapter 9.85
CAMPING
Sections:
9.85.010 Findings and purpose.
9.85.050 Storage of personal property in public places.
9.85.060 Public nuisance declared.
9.85.010 Findings and purpose.
The streets and public property within the city should be readily accessible and available to residents and the public at large. The use of these areas for camping purposes or storage of personal property interferes with the rights of others to use the areas for the purposes for which they were intended. Such activity can constitute a public health and safety hazard that adversely impacts the neighborhoods, commercial property and general welfare of the city. Camping on private property without the consent of the owner, proper sanitary measures and for other than a minimal duration adversely affects private property rights as well as public health, safety, and welfare. The purpose of this chapter is to maintain streets, parks, creeks and other public and private areas, whether paved or unpaved, within the city in a clean, sanitary and accessible condition and to adequately protect the health, safety and public welfare of the community, while recognizing that, subject to reasonable conditions, camping and camp facilities associated with special events can be beneficial to the cultural and educational climate in the city. [Ord. 9-2024 § 3].
9.85.020 Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the following meanings:
“Camp” means to place, pitch or occupy camp facilities; to live temporarily in a camp facility or outdoors; or to use camp paraphernalia.
“Camp facilities” include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, vehicles, vehicle camping outfits, trailers, lean-tos, temporary shelters, tarpaulins, sleeping mattresses or pads, sleeping bags, or bedding.
“Camp paraphernalia” includes, but is not limited to, bedrolls, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, mattress, hammocks, cooking facilities, appliances, and similar equipment.
“Store” means to put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put for safekeeping, or to place or leave in a location. [Ord. 9-2024 § 3].
9.85.030 Unlawful camping.
A. No person shall camp anywhere in the city of Rancho Cordova, whether on public or private property, except as hereinafter expressly permitted in RCMC 9.85.040.
B. It shall be an affirmative defense under this chapter for any person, without the purpose of habitation, to temporarily occupy and use a vehicle for emergency reasons including, but not limited to: escape from or avoidance of an abusive person(s), avoidance of driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even though the person may sleep during the period of that use. For purposes of this section, “temporarily occupy” means a duration of 12 hours or less. [Ord. 9-2024 § 3].
9.85.040 Permitted camping.
Camping is permitted in the city of Rancho Cordova only under the following circumstances:
A. On public property specifically set aside and clearly marked for public camping purposes.
B. In conjunction with events authorized and expressly provided for in a special event or temporary use permit issued by the city. [Ord. 9-2024 § 3].
9.85.050 Storage of personal property in public places.
It shall be unlawful for any person to store or leave unattended camp facilities or camp paraphernalia on public property, unless such storage is expressly authorized and in conjunction with a permitted camping activity under this chapter. [Ord. 9-2024 § 3].
9.85.060 Public nuisance declared.
Any camp facilities or camp paraphernalia established in the city in violation of this chapter is declared to be a public nuisance, and the city enforcement official is authorized to abate the nuisance and remove camp facilities and camp paraphernalia as authorized by Chapter 16.18 RCMC or as authorized by law. [Ord. 9-2024 § 3].
9.85.070 Violation – Penalty.
A. Any person who violates any provision in this chapter is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a $100.00 fine.
B. Any person cited for a second violation of the same section within a 12-month period is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a $200.00 fine.
C. Any person found in violation of any section of this chapter for the third time within a 12-month period is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00, or imprisonment not to exceed six months.
D. In addition to any other remedy allowed by law, any person who violates a provision of this chapter is subject to criminal sanctions, civil actions, and administrative penalties pursuant to RCMC 1.01.190.
E. All remedies prescribed under this chapter are cumulative and the election of one or more remedies does not bar the city from the pursuit of any other remedy to enforce this chapter. [Ord. 9-2024 § 3].