New restrictions in Richmond will prohibit camping on public property and the use of tents or campers as residences within city limits.

Richmond City Council members recently approved a bill, creating a new section of the city code regulating camping within city limits. Interim Community Development Director Heather Robertson explained the ordinance was developed to address a lack of explicit language regulating overnight stays, camping structures and the use of park facilities for temporary habitation.

Under the new ordinance, camping is prohibited in city parks and trails, streets and alleys and on other public property, whether improved or unimproved.

Tents, campers or other recreational structures are also prohibited from being used as temporary or permanent residences or shelters on any real property within the city.

The ordinance allows the city administrator or a designee to issue permits for camping or the use of camping facilities on city park or other public property. Robertson n…