Does Biddeford prohibit camping in city parks? | Fact brief

Biddeford’s parks ordinance prohibits overnight camping, including tents and other temporary shelters. Erecting any tent or shelter requires a recreation director’s permit. City parks generally close at dusk, and unauthorized structures may be removed.

The ban predates the city’s recent efforts to address homelessness. In 2024, officials adopted a plan prohibiting camping on all city-owned land, ordered encampments closed and arranged overnight accommodations at the nonprofit Seeds of Hope.

Encampments remain an issue. At an Oct. 6 City Council meeting, General Assistance Administrator Jacob Hammer said code enforcement had responded to encampments over 50 times since July 1, issuing trespass warnings and directing people to move. Public Works had conducted 10 cleanups costing more than $5,000. 

Hammer proposed a pilot program pairing code enforcement with a housing navigator to address encampments and connect people with housing. The proposal was referred for further review.