Proposed Parking and Public Camping Restrictions in Larimer County

[Megan Gallagher]

Dear Larimer County Commissioners,

I am writing as a concerned community member regarding the proposed ordinance that would prohibit parking in one location for more than 48 hours and prohibit public camping without written permission from an authorized officer in unincorporated Larimer County.

Policies that effectively criminalize sleeping in vehicles or camping outdoors raise serious humanitarian and legal concerns. For many people in our community, living in a vehicle or temporarily camping is not a choice but a last resort when housing and shelter options are unavailable. Enforcement of restrictions like these can push people further into crisis without addressing the underlying problem of housing instability.

Courts have increasingly recognized that punishing people for sleeping outside when they have no realistic access to shelter can raise constitutional concerns. In the Fort Collins case involving Adam Wiemold, a conviction under the city’s camping ban was ultimately overturned by the Larimer County District Court after the court found the prosecution unconstitutional under the circumstances.

Beyond legal risk, policies that rely on citations, towing, or displacement ultimately harm public safety, health and welfare by:
• pushing people into more isolated and unsafe locations
• creating additional burdens on law enforcement and courts
• making it harder for outreach providers to connect people with services

I urge the County to carefully consider whether this ordinance meaningfully addresses community concerns or simply shifts the problem from one place to another.

Before moving forward, I encourage the County to consider alternatives that other communities have adopted, such as:
• safe parking programs for people living in vehicles
• designated camping areas paired with outreach services
• stronger coordination with housing and service providers
• policies that prioritize connection to services over enforcement

Larimer County has an opportunity to pursue solutions that balance public concerns with compassion, practicality, and respect for constitutional protections.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Margaret Gallagher

Fort Collins district 2