Encampment Policy and Cleanups

Homelessness is a regional issue throughout the Denver Metro area that also impacts the City of Commerce City. Multiple city departments are involved in the city's process to help address the issue in our community in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. These efforts include:

  • Homelessness outreach to connect unhoused community members to services and resources
  • A reporting system for community members to report encampments and other observations
  • A defined policy and process to clean up unlawful encampments 

Homelessness Outreach - Community Well-Being

Restrictions on Urban Camping

On June 3, 2024, the City Council passed Ordinance 2584 to revise the city's restrictions on unauthorized urban camping in Commerce City. These restrictions are reflected in Section 12-3012 of the Municipal Code. 

Sec. 12-3012 - Unauthorized camping on public property restricted

To report an encampment in Commerce City on public or private property, please use the city's AccessC3 system.

Report an encampment in AccessC3

Encampment Cleanup

The city adopted a policy in August 2024 establishing a processes for the health and safety abatement of unauthorized encampments within the city. This policy provides the procedure for removal of unauthorized camps, including the minimum notice periods the city will provide to camp occupants to evacuate, outline city staff responsibilities, and clean up procedures. The policy involves roles for Park Rangers, Police Department, Code Enforcement, Public Works, and Community Well-Being.

Encampment Cleanup Policy(PDF, 429KB)

 

Encampment Cleanup Process

  • After receipt of a complaint, Community Well Being Division (CWB) determines the location and sends the information to the appropriate department for action.
  • Upon inspection, the encampment will be scheduled for abatement after proper notice.
    • Abandoned encampments will be posted for at least three (3) days and occupied encampments for at least seven (7) days.
  • CWB will attempt to contact occupants to advise that action is forthcoming and connect them with services.
  • If there is unattended, uncontaminated property that does not pose a threat and has apparent value or utility to the owner, the property will be collected and stored for 30 days. Items will be disposed of thereafter if not retrieved.
  • Notices will be posted, advising that the property has been collected and where and how to retrieve it from storage. 

Emergency Abatements

The city can also authorize an emergency abatement without notice when "a nuisance poses an imminent danger to the health, safety, or welfare of any person or property" under Section 6-1004(b) of the Commerce City Municipal Code.

Emergency Abatement Policy(PDF, 182KB)

Report an encampment in AccessC3

 

 

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