Bismarck bans camping on public property, a move which allows for removal of homeless encampments

BISMARCK, ND — Bismarck is approving an ordinance that would ban homeless camps in the city.

The Bismarck City Commission passed a motion Tuesday night that would ban camping in public areas. The ordinance would make homeless camps a Class B Misdemeanor with a fine up to 15,000.

The new ordinance does not ban sleeping in public areas, like park benches or under bridges.