The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter:
BRIDGE. A structure, including the approaches thereto, erected in order to afford passage over any obstruction in any public road, railroad, or other right-of-way, or to afford passage under or over existing public roads, railroads, or other rights-of-way.
CAMP or CAMPING. To pitch, use, or occupy camp facilities, or to use camp paraphernalia, or both, for the purpose of habitation. CAMP or CAMPING does not include the use of public property or public facilities for recreational use or for authorized public or private events that involve the use of tents, awnings, or other structures in connection with such recreational use or authorized public or private event.
CAMP FACILITIES. Include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, temporary shelters, campers, recreational vehicles, or trailers. CAMP FACILITIES do not include tents, huts, or temporary shelters, when used temporarily in a park for recreation or play during daylight hours when the park is open to the public.
CAMP PARAPHERNALIA. Includes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, hammocks, blankets, mattresses, or cooking facilities and similar equipment.
PARK. Any publicly owned area controlled by the City or other governmental entity for park purposes. PARK also includes all associated areas, including parking lots for parks.
PUBLIC PROPERTY. Any real property, building, structure, equipment, sign, shelter, vegetation, greenspace, playground, bench, trail, picnic shelters, recreational and athletic fields, and public open space, including all associated areas such as parking lots, controlled or owned by the City of Mt. Vernon or any other governmental agency.
STORE or STORING. To put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put for safekeeping, or to place or leave in a location, leaving one’s personal property such as, without limitation, clothing, bedrolls, cookware, sleeping bags, luggage, shopping carts, knapsacks, or backpacks, unattended for more than one hour.
STREET. Any highway, lane, road, street (including adjacent shoulders, medians, and terrace areas), right-of-way, sidewalk, boulevard, alley, and every way or place in the City open as a matter of right to public pedestrian and vehicular travel.
UNAUTHORIZED ENCAMPMENT. The collection of camp facilities, camp paraphernalia, and/or personal property used for unauthorized camping in violation of this ordinance.
(Ord. 2024-30, passed 9-3-2024)