The city of Aurora is committed to a compassionate and care-focused approach to balancing the needs and security of those experiencing homelessness with the concerns of community members and the need to maintain the safety and health of the city.
It is illegal to camp on public property, except in any location where camping has been authorized by the city.
What is public property?
Public property is property and real estate owned by a government entrusted by the people for care. This does not necessarily mean that the property is available for public use or access, however — it simply recognizes that the property was bought and is maintained with taxpayer dollars. More specifically, public property includes (but is not limited to): a street, median, alley, sidewalk, strips of land between streets and sidewalks, travel lanes, bike path, greenway, public parking lots, city parks, city buildings and more.
See city-owned property map.
Abatements (Camp Cleanups) and Personal Property
All camps located on public property where the city does not expressly authorize camping are eligible for immediate abatement; advance written or verbal notice is not required before abatement.
When abating an encampment, the Aurora Outreach Team takes any personal documents or identifications found at the camp to the Aurora Day Resource Center to store those items for up to one year. The Aurora Day Resource Center will manage and provide storage for individuals in an unauthorized camp who are actively receiving their services.
About Aurora Outreach Team
The Aurora Outreach Team is a dedicated support unit, not an enforcement entity. Their mission is to engage with individuals who are camping or living in vehicles or RVs, connecting them with vital community services. Comprised of trained professionals with extensive experience in homelessness outreach, the team provides direct assistance through daily engagement efforts. New clients are enrolled exclusively during these outreach activities. Individuals already receiving services should contact their case manager directly. Due to high call volumes, the team is unable to accept external referrals at this time. For additional resources, visit the Aurora Day Resource Center, 13387 E. 19th Place, for referrals and support.
About Aurora Abatement Team
The Aurora Abatement Team works closely with the Aurora Outreach Team, Aurora Police Department and other city departments to clean up abatements and address community concerns. Their coordinated approach ensures a humane and efficient response when managing encampment abatements.
Report an Encampment
The public may report encampment(s) through Access Aurora at AuroraGov.org/AccessAurora or by phone at 303.739.7000. You can receive direct updates by reporting the encampment via Access Aurora. Access Aurora is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The city is working hard to address the high volume of abatement (camp cleanups) requests as quickly as possible with the available resources.
If the reported encampment is not within city boundaries, city staff works with the responsible entity to address the issue.
Questions?
For questions on the abatement process, please contact Access Aurora at 303.739.7000.
Private Property Abatements
Private property owners have the right to request members of encampments on their property to leave immediately and may work with the Aurora Police Department for stand-by assistance by contacting the non-emergency line at 303.627.3100.
The city can provide abatement and cleanup assistance to private property owners at the owner’s expense. The city’s Code Enforcement Division manages this process with the Aurora Police Department. Learn more about the city's Standard Code Enforcement Process.
Submit your code enforcement complaints through Access Aurora.