FAQs: City of Saint John Yellow Zones
- Minimum of 3 metres between tents
- No more than 5 tents in a cluster
- Minimum of 50 metres between clusters
- Sites must be kept clean and orderly.
- Structures that pose a fire hazard, such as temporary wooden structures are not permitted.
What is a Yellow Zone?
Yellow Zones are any property that is neither designated as a Red Zone nor Green Zone by the City of Saint John.
Unless otherwise prohibited, individuals may sleep or erect a tent anywhere in a Yellow Zone provided they have the consent of the landowner.
The City has many vacant properties all throughout Yellow Zones that will be available for people to tent at if they have no other housing solution. Outreach teams will ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness are aware of the locations of Red and Yellow Zones.
Are there rules or criteria for Yellow Zones?
All sites in Yellow Zones where a tent is located must maintain at minimum the following minimum site standards:
The City will not take action with respect to tents being erected on certain vacant City owned land in a Yellow Zone that adheres to the criteria and minimum site standards for a Yellow Zone.
Why are Yellow Zones needed?
Yellow Zones are a temporary emergency response to the housing crisis. They are not a permanent solution. They will be phased out as more housing and institutional supports are provided by the Province.
If my property is considered a Yellow Zone, does this mean that people can tent in my yard?
No. Individuals experiencing homelessness can only tent on a private property in a Yellow Zone if they have the permission of the landowner.