Durango, CO: The city of Durango is working with area support groups and the judicial system to ensure the existing ordinances are enforced in a humane way to dissuade further illegal camping along Roosa Avenue by the Animas River.
Residents have contacted the city and expressed concern regarding unpermitted camping in that area and the associated problems of trash and human waste.
The city’s code enforcement officers and police officers have regularly been working with nonprofit agencies to provide the help these individuals need. While visiting the illegal camping sites the police officers and code enforcement officers are first offering available resources and services to those illegally camping. If those available services are refused, they are issued a citation for illegal camping. The city is also meeting with representatives of court system to find ways to ensure these citations are being adequately addressed.
Signs have been posted on tents at the camps encouraging the homeless to not move if cited. Many citations are being dismissed through the judicial system. This leaves the city’s enforcement of ordinances with few, if any, options.
Police Chief Bob Brammer said code enforcement officers are ensuring there are services available prior to any citation being issued. “Our code enforcement and police officers work diligently to connect these unpermitted campers with the multitude of services provided by the city and other organizations, but we also have a responsibility to enforce the city’s ordinances,” he said. “We are writing tickets that are not being honored or enforced, so it puts us in a real bind. We just want compliance with the established rule of law enacted by the citizens of this community.”
A list of numerous services provided by the city can be found on the city’s website including information on camping rules, trespassing and prohibited activities.”
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Media Contact
Tom Sluis
Public Information Officer - Spokesman
Phone: (970) 375-5090
Email: Tom.Sluis@durangogov.org
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