“We’ve had kind of our unofficial MDOT rules for year that establish kind of time frames and use for the facilities, but they were not ever statutorily based on anything.”
MDOT’s University Region Engineer Greg Losch says that would change under a proposed set of rules enforceable by law.
“Establish a baseline level of expectations for the public so they know what to expect when they use our public facilities.”
Some of those rules include no overnight camping, limiting vehicle parking to 48 hours or less, prohibiting the disposal of vehicle fluids and tires, and always keeping pets on a leash.
Rules would pertain to all rest areas, carpool lots, roadside parks, and scenic overlooks maintained by MDOT.
Losch says the rules are meant to enforce the intended use of these areas: for short-term rests or emergencies, not to single out the unhoused who may use the facilities for longer stays.
“These administrative rules are not written in a way that criminalizes homelessness or unhoused populations. These rules will apply to everybody.”
If adopted, the rules would take effect seven days after filing with the Secretary of State.
An online public hearing about the proposed rules will be held tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
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