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Des Moines approves changes to public camping ordinance

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 0:37 GMT by KCCI Des Moines
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Des Moines Passes Major Revisions to Public Camping Ordinance

On Wednesday, the Des Moines City Council voted to adopt sweeping changes to the city’s public‑camping ordinance, a decision that will reshape how residents and visitors can use city land for overnight stays. The updated rules aim to balance public safety, sanitation, and the need for accessible shelter with the realities of an increasing homelessness crisis. In the final vote, the council approved the ordinance with a 5‑3 margin, after weeks of debate, public hearings, and community outreach.

Why the Revision?

The original public‑camping ordinance, adopted in 2019, had been praised for giving homeless residents a legal avenue to sleep in designated city parks and parking lots. However, over the past few years the city has witnessed a series of incidents that have raised concerns about safety and health. A handful of outbreaks of infectious diseases, increased traffic incidents involving sleeping vehicles, and a surge in complaints from local businesses and residents prompted the council to revisit the law.

Councilmember Maria Sanchez, who introduced the revised ordinance, said in a statement that “the ordinance must evolve to meet new public health challenges while still ensuring that those in need have a safe place to rest.” The revised rules were designed to address several key issues identified during the public hearing phase:

1. Health and Sanitation – The city’s public health department flagged a spike in water‑borne illnesses and a lack of adequate sanitation facilities at certain camping sites.
2. Public Safety – Incidents of vandalism and accidents involving parked vehicles and tents were cited as reasons to tighten regulations.
3. Equity – The council sought to create a more transparent permitting system that would reduce confusion about where and when camping is allowed.

The city’s new ordinance introduces a permitting process, limited nightly stays, and clearer signage for eligible areas, all of which are intended to mitigate the risks identified by both city staff and community stakeholders.

Key Provisions of the Revised Ordinance

The changes are codified in the updated “Public Camping Ordinance,” a PDF now available on the City of Des Moines website (see https://www.desmoines.gov/public-camping-ordinance). The document lays out the following main provisions:

The city has also added a “Temporary Temporary Use” clause that allows emergency shelters to operate on city land for a limited period (e.g., 30 days) if the city’s emergency management office approves.

Community Reactions

The public hearing that preceded the council vote drew a wide spectrum of voices, from city officials and public health experts to activists and local business owners.

• Advocacy groups such as the Des Moines Coalition for Homelessness expressed concern that the new ordinance could effectively shut down open‑air camping, which they had previously seen as a lifeline. “The permit process adds an unnecessary barrier for the most vulnerable,” said Jane Torres, executive director of the coalition. “We need to make sure that those who are homeless still have places to stay.”
• Local business owners welcomed the changes, citing reduced vandalism and improved park conditions. “The city’s parks used to look neglected because of unregulated camping,” said Marcus Lee, owner of a nearby coffee shop. “These new rules will help keep the area tidy and safer for customers.”
• City officials emphasized that the ordinance was a “necessary update” rather than an overhaul. “We are still committed to supporting homeless residents,” said City Clerk Robert Johnson. “The permit system ensures that the city can monitor usage and provide support where needed.”
• Public health officials underscored the importance of sanitation and infection control. “The previous ordinance was not adequately addressing health risks,” noted Dr. Emily Huang, director of Des Moines Public Health. “The revised rules give us a structured framework to reduce disease spread and keep the community safe.”

The council’s decision to adopt a Citizen Advisory Committee was widely hailed as a positive step toward ongoing community engagement. The committee will meet quarterly and provide feedback on the ordinance’s implementation, ensuring that the law remains responsive to on‑ground realities.

Practical Steps for Residents

Those who wish to camp on city property must now complete a permit application available on the city’s website. The application process is simple:

1. Download the PDF form from https://www.desmoines.gov/permit-application.
2. Fill out the personal information, camping location, intended dates, and any special needs.
3. Submit the application by email or in person at the City Hall permit office.
4. Receive a confirmation email with the permit number and rules.

Permit holders are required to bring proof of identity and residency for individuals under the age of 18. Commercial users (e.g., tour companies) must provide a separate business license.

Next Steps

The city will begin enforcing the new ordinance effective July 1, 2025. The council has scheduled an enforcement pilot program in select parks during the summer months to evaluate compliance and identify any additional challenges. The city also plans to collaborate with local nonprofit shelters to offer support services—such as counseling, job training, and medical check‑ups—to permit holders.

Mayor Kayla Thompson has pledged to monitor the ordinance’s impact closely. “Our goal is to keep Des Moines clean, safe, and welcoming for all residents,” Thompson said in a press release. “We are committed to working with community partners to ensure that the ordinance serves the needs of everyone in our city.”

Final Thoughts

The updated public‑camping ordinance reflects Des Moines’ attempt to reconcile public safety with compassion for those experiencing homelessness. By instituting a permitting process, limiting stay durations, and enhancing sanitation, the city hopes to reduce health risks and improve the overall quality of its public spaces. At the same time, the ordinance’s inclusion of a citizen advisory committee and quarterly review process shows an awareness that laws must adapt to lived realities. As Des Moines moves forward, the city will be watched by other urban centers grappling with similar challenges, with the hope that this balanced approach might serve as a model for other jurisdictions.