For immediate release: June 26, 2025
Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963 (cell)
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov
Gallatin County Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Draft Camping Ordinance
The Gallatin County Commission will discuss the future of camping on public property and rights-of-way in unincorporated areas of Gallatin County at its next public meeting on Tuesday, July 1, at 9 AM at the Gallatin County Courthouse (311 W. Main St., Bozeman) in the third-floor Community Room.
At the meeting, commissioners will consider a draft ordinance that would prohibit camping on public property or public rights-of-way in the unincorporated areas of Gallatin County unless camping is specifically allowed by the county.
See the full draft resolution here.
Tuesday’s meeting will be the first reading of the draft ordinance. If the commission approves it, a final vote is expected to take place at the commission’s July 15 public meeting.
This draft ordinance was brought before the Gallatin County Commission at the request of Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer and vetted for legality by the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office. The commission considered incidents, complaints and public safety concerns over several work sessions to explore a potential ordinance. Public health and safety were the primary factors guiding the commission’s direction. The goal is to connect people with resources that reduce risk to themselves and protect community health and sanitation. The draft ordinance also aligns with the City of Bozeman’s regulations to minimize confusion and prevent spillover impacts. Should the ordinance pass, the commission is committed to monitoring data and evaluating the ordinance’s effectiveness over time.
“The County Commission has a lot of trust in the information our sheriff and his deputies bring us. They asked that we help them in developing a regulatory tool to address the challenges they encounter around the county, and I think it has resulted in a reasonable policy,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Scott MacFarlane.
Public comments will be taken during the meeting, and community members can participate either in person at the courthouse or remotely via Zoom. Details for joining the meeting online can be found here.
In addition to providing comment during the meeting, residents can share their feedback ahead of time by emailing commission@gallatin.mt.gov, calling 406-582-3000, or by delivering written comments to the Gallatin County Commission Office in Room 306 of the Gallatin County Courthouse.
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