AURORA, Colo. — The City of Aurora likely will be strengthening its urban camping ban, already one of the strongest such bans on the front range.
The ban already closes several areas to camping permanently, meaning Aurora does not have to give notice before sweeping an encampment away. But now, due to the recent Supreme Court decision regarding Grant’s Pass, Oregon, cities don’t have to offer any shelter when they abate camps. They also don’t have to give anyone any notice of a sweep.
Three-day notice of sweeps will end citywide
The Public Safety, Courts and Civil Service Policy Committee discussed strengthening the camping ordinance Thursday. City Attorney Pete Schulte said he recommends the ordinance read that “we prefer we have options available before we abate” so people can be given shelter. Right now, the city gives 72 hours’ notice before a sweep in areas not permanently closed to camping. That would stop with the new ordinance. Shelter would not have to be offered. One of the city’s pallet home communities recently closed, limiting available shelter beds.