Richmond Municipal Code Ch. 11.96 Local Camping

The purpose of this article is to maintain public streets and areas within the City in a clean, safe and accessible condition for residents and the public at large.

Unless the particular provisions or the context otherwise requires, the definitions contained in this section shall govern the construction, meaning and application of words and phrases used in this article.

(a) "Camp" means to pitch, sleep in or occupy camp facilities or to use camp paraphernalia.

(b) "Camp facilities" include, but are not limited to, tents, huts or temporary shelters, trailers and any other vehicle.

(c) "Camp paraphernalia" includes, but is not limited to, collapsible shelters, cots, beds, sleeping bags, hammocks or non-City authorized cooking facilities and similar equipment.

(d) "Store" means to put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put for safekeeping, to place or leave in a location.

It shall be unlawful for any person to camp, sleep in or occupy camp facilities or use camp paraphernalia in the following areas, except as otherwise provided:

(1) Any street;

(2) Any parking lot, public area or open spaces, improved or unimproved; provided, however, that no person shall be in violation of this section unless:

(A) The person is informed of the whereabouts of homeless shelters in the City of Richmond;

(B) Such shelter is actually available to such person; and

(C) Such person willingly refuses to stay in such shelter.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 26-06 N.S.)

It shall be unlawful for any person to store personal property, including camp facilities and camp paraphernalia, in the following areas, except as otherwise provided:

(a) Any park;

(b) Any street;

(c) Any parking lot, public area or open spaces, improved or unimproved.

Except as otherwise provided for herein, and upon a showing of necessity, as person may sleep in a vehicle and store personal belongings therein within the City limits for not more than 72 hours in any 3-month period without being in violation of this chapter.

In addition to all other remedies and penalties available under this chapter, under other sections of this Code or under other laws, any person, firm or corporation who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction for each day such violation continues and shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 1.04.100 of this Code.

(Source: Ordinance No. 35-01 N.S.)